James Van Der Beek’s widow has issued an emotional update three months on from his death. The actor, best known for starring in the title role of 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek alongside Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, passed away in February at the age of 48 following a battle with cancer.
Now, mother-of-six Kimberly, 44, who was married to James from 2010 until his death and has Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 10, Emilia, nine, Gwen, six, and Jeremiah, four, with him has candidly spoken about life now amid her grief.
She wrote on Instagram: “To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in… and I miss him.
View 5 ImagesKimberly, a film producer, admitted that the reality of losing her husband is just starting to sink in(Image: Instagram)
“We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply. 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.”
Kimberly, who met James shortly when he was on a trip to Israel shortly after his split from first wife Heather McComb, thanked everyone for their support during the difficult time and insisted there will be more to come when she feels ready to speak about it.
She added: “The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways. You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time- I will.”
James, who also starred in Varsity Blues and competed on Dancing With The Stars, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on August 31, 2023.
View 5 ImagesKimberly said there will be more to talk about when she feels ready(Image: Instagram)
He decided to go public with his diagnosis in November 2024. Announcing his death on behalf of the family, Kimberly, said: “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. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
In an additional statement, Kimberly said: “James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children.
5View 5 ImagesJames shot to fame in the title role of Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 until 2003 (Image: Getty Images)
5View 5 ImagesHe was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023 (Image: Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
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.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.
They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.” The family then launched a GoFundMe to help them cover costs.
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Speaking about his diagnosis when he chose to go public, James explained: “The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer. You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things. I have a lot to live for.”
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.