Isaiah Washington, best known for his role as Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, has publicly confirmed the death of his wife, Jenisa Marie Washington, nearly 16 months after she passed away. The actor broke his silence on October 3, 2026, sharing a black-and-white photograph of her on Instagram and revealing that she died on June 9, 2025, following a sudden collapse on May 31. He described the loss as a 'huge shock' to their family, stating she succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never regained consciousness. The couple had been married for 29 years, tying the knot on Valentine’s Day in 1996 after meeting at a dinner party in Los Angeles — though Washington admitted he almost skipped the event. Their relationship was built on quiet intimacy, not industry connections, and they raised three children together: Tyme, Isaiah Washington V, and Iman. The family deliberately stayed out of the spotlight, shielding their children from Hollywood’s glare. Washington once told interviewers he would rather 'kiss a horse than a woman on screen' if it meant explaining the scene to his daughter later, a reflection of how deeply he valued privacy. Jenisa, a fashion designer from Houston, maintained a low profile throughout their marriage, avoiding red carpets, interviews, and public appearances despite her husband’s fame. She was described by friends and family as private, stylish, and fiercely protective of her home life. Her absence from the public eye made the news of her death all the more unexpected when it surfaced now. Washington acknowledged the timing might seem odd, writing: 'I don’t know if this is an appropriate post, because Jenisa Washington was extremely private, but I guess I just have to be reprimanded by her on the other side.' He also used the moment to urge others to take severe headaches seriously, noting they could signal something far more dangerous. No further details about her final days or medical treatment have been released. The announcement marks the first time the actor has spoken publicly about her passing since the tragedy occurred.