James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly renewed their wedding vows just days before the actor’s death on February 11.
Advertisement
The beloved Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues star passed away following a battle with colorectal cancer at age 48, leaving behind Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
On Tuesday, Kimberly told People the intimate ceremony came together in a matter of days with the help of friends and family.
‘We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed,’ she explained.
She described the moment as ‘simple and beautiful and moving,’ with loved ones by their side and more friends joining via Zoom.
Advertisement
Musician Poranguí, a close friend of the couple, provided live music for the ceremony, closing the touching tribute with a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly renewed their wedding vows just days before the actor’s death on February 11; (pictured 2019)
On Tuesday, Kimberly told People the intimate ceremony came together in a matter of days with the help of friends and family
The couple’s love story began in Israel in 2009, and just a year later they returned to the same country for a private wedding ceremony.
At the time, Kimberly was expecting their first child, Olivia, making the day even more special for the young family.
Advertisement
Tragically, 16 years later, Kimberly shared the heartbreaking news of James's death on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to the beloved actor.
'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,' she wrote.
'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.'
The news of the vow renewal comes on the heels of Alfonso Ribeiro sharing a touching glimpse into his final moments with his close friend Van Der Beek.
Advertisement
Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn.
‘We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed,’ Kimberly explained
She described the moment as ‘simple and beautiful and moving,’ with loved ones by their side and more friends joining via Zoom
Taking to Instagram, the actor revealed that he was by the Dawson’s Creek star’s side shortly before his death.
Alongside a tender photo, Ribeiro wrote, ‘This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye.’
Advertisement
He added that their final moments together were filled with laughter, sharing, ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time.’
The loss resonated throughout Hollywood, with a host of Dawson’s Creek castmates posting emotional tributes, Katie Holmes among them.
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life.'
'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,' she added.
The actress captioned the post: 'I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved.'
Advertisement
Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson’s Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram.
The news of the vow renewal comes on the heels of Alfonso Ribeiro sharing a touching glimpse into his final moments with his close friend Van Der Beek
She wrote that her 'heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,' acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans.
Philipps went on to say she was 'profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,' describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion' who will be 'forever missed.'
She added, 'I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years,' reflecting on their bond both on and off screen.
Advertisement
Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek's death.
Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle, in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, wrote that she was 'devastated' by the news.
'What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,' she added. 'Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.'
Following the family’s announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing condolences.
The statement read: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.
Advertisement
'Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.'
Van Der Beek’s death rocked Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek co-stars sharing heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life'
Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with likes.
A GoFundMe page was also launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family, with a starting goal of $500,000.
Advertisement
Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'
The page added: 'Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.'