James Van Der Beek’s Widow Gets Real About Grief: ‘We All Miss Him’
James Van Der Beek’s widow is opening up about loss in an honest post shared after the three-month anniversary of the actor’s death.
The Dawson’s Creek star died in February 2026 at the age of 48, after a very public battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and the couple’s six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family shared at the time. “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.”
Kimberly’s New Tribute
On Tuesday, May 12, Kimberly shared a carousel of photos on Instagram. In them, James is seen with her and the couple’s children before his death.
“Yesterday was three months since we lost [James]. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is,” she began her caption. “The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in... and I miss him. We all miss him.”
“Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply,” she continued. “My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”
She went on to call the “outpouring of support” from friends and fans “tremendous.”
“It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways,” wrote Kimberly. “You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful.”
She concluded her post saying, “There is so much more to share here. And in time- I will.”
More Messages of Love and Support
Kimberly’s post was quickly flooded with comments, as well as likes from James’ Dawson’s Creek co-stars Katie Holmes and Mary-Margaret Humes, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In the comments, Twilight actress Nikki Reed wrote, “Wrapping my arms around you and those beautiful babies❤️ I love you so much🙏🏼❤️”
Teresa Palmer added, “Love you beautiful mama 🥹✨❤️,” before Marla Maples wrote, “🙌 love you with all my heart, my sweet, precious friend🙌”
Kimberly’s followers also shared their words of support, praising her for her transparency during this difficult time for her family.
“‘The comforts of shock have worn off’ - wow that's an amazing articulation of grief,” wrote one fan. “The world lost a great man, but to you he was your husband and the father of your children. I’m sorry that it is so hard to find any respite from the pain.”
Another wrote, “I don’t even know your family personally but you all have been heavy on my mind for months. Your resilience, strength and transparency is inspiring. You’re amazing 💕”
“🥹🥺💞🙏🏼✨ heartbroken for you and in awe of your grace. He will always be with you,” read another comment.
A GoFundMe was set up to help raise money for Kimberly and the couple’s six kids pay for “essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”
The organizers explained that “throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," they wrote, before thanking fans for any donations.
So far, $2.87 million has been raised.
source https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/james-van-der-beek-widow-grief
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