James Van Der Beek’s Widow Reveals Unexpected First Anniversary Tribute After His Tragic Death
What’s more impossible: raising six children without losing your sanity—or finding a love story in Hollywood that doesn’t end up as tabloid fodder? Sometimes, the scripts we don’t get to write for ourselves end up being the most poignant. Today, we’re not talking about the latest binge-worthy show or a box office bomb, but a real, raw moment in the life of James Van Der Beek’s family—the kind of moment that has nothing to do with Dawson’s Creek drama and everything to do with the ache and celebration stitched right into marriage. As James’ widow Kimberly marks their first wedding anniversary since his heartbreaking passing, you can’t help but marvel at the bittersweet blend of grief and gratitude woven through her tribute. Six kids, sixteen years, and countless memories—somehow, what’s left is both devastating and beautiful. Why is it that love seems to keep growing even after the credits roll? If you’re curious (or still believing that soulmates do exist outside Hallmark movies), you’ll want to lean in close—this story might just tug something loose in you. LEARN MORE
James Van Der Beek’s widow has shared a touching tribute to the late actor to mark their first wedding anniversary since his death.
The couple tied the knot 16 years ago and shared six children together: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, and Gwendolyn, 8, and sons Joshua, 14, and Jeremiah, 4.
Tragically, the Dawson’s Creek star died in February at just 48, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
His passing was confirmed on his Instagram account on 11 February.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” it began.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.
“Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
James Van Der Beek’s widow has shared a touching post to mark their anniversary (Instagram/vanderkimberly)
In a post to mark their 16 year wedding anniversary, James’ heartbroken wife said she was ‘the luckiest woman in the world’ to marry the actor.
She went on: “The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold everyday with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I’m eternally grateful.”
Kimberly also shared a carousel of images of her and James smiling into the camera as well as one of him hugging his kids.
Back in June, Kimberly paid tribute to James on father’s day, writing: “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You’re a marvel.”
In March, to mark what have been the actor’s 49th birthday, his ten-year-old daughter Emilia recorded a moving video in which she said she talks to her dad every day and recommended it to others who were experiencing grief.
“I’m just going to tell you little tips, or anything that helps you getting through anyone you love’s passing,” Emilia said in the clip that was posted on Kimberly’s Instagram.
“So today is my dad’s birthday, and the number one thing for somebody’s passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out.
James and Kimberly had six children together (Instagram/vanderkimberly)
“If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day. And I start with a sentence, and I say, ‘Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you.’”
Emilia went on to say that she tells her dad about her day and how she’s feeling, as she does to her family.
“You just have to feel them in your heart,” she continued.
“Because they’re in your heart, they’re watching over you. They’re a part of your body and in a good place.”
Emilia said she knows her dad is ‘in a good place’ and free from pain, but shared that it’s OK to still feel sad but stressed people mustn’t blame themselves for a loved one’s death.
“You can be angry, but don’t blame yourself,” she added.
“Blaming yourself, it’s not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”
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