Emma Slater, who partnered with “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek in season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars,” shared a beautiful tribute to him amid her heartbreak over his death.
On February 11, fans of the “Dawson’s Creek” star learned via a post on his Instagram page that he had died. Slater’s tribute to her friend and former partner reminded DWTS fans of the friendship the two made during their season and why they were such a fan favorite couple.
“I’m lucky to have known the man that you are,” Slater wrote in tribute to Van Der Beek. She added, “You’ll be forever in my heart. And now I know whenever I’m guided, I’ll be guided by you.”
Emma Slater Considered James Van Der Beek Family
A few hours after news of Van Der Beek’s death emerged, Slater took to Instagram to post a tribute to him.
She quickly commented on the Instagram post his family shared where they announced his death. However, she also decided to expand on her earlier comment with a solo post.
The photo that Slater chose for her post was from their season and snapped while they were on stage. They were both laughing and the closeness the two shared was evident.
In her caption, Slater began, “My partner. My big brother. Over the many photos we’ve taken over the years, this one is still my favorite. Dancing and laughing. It’s what we do.”
Slater admitted, “Nothing I can write seems ok.”
“All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance,” she declared.
She continued, “We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together. It started with being dance partners and I was beyond excited to be dancing with you.”
Their connection “continued into the deepest of friendships” after the show Slater wrote.
The “Dancing with the Stars” pro shared that the entire Van Der Beek family, which includes the actor’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children, “became family and I found so much purpose in our little community. Watching your love for your family changed my life.”
Emma Slater Visited James Van Der Beek 3 Days Before His Death
Slater went on to praise all that Van Der Beek had done for her over the course of their years long friendship. “Your kindness, patience and empathy for others is unmatched. Your wise advice. I will always marvel at the ability you had to master everything. Your school boy laugh I will never forget.”
She also wrote that she visited with Van Der Beek just a few days before his death. “I’m so grateful that I got to see you on Sunday, to talk to you and to tell you for the millionth time how much I love you.”
Van Der Beek and Slater laughed together during that visit, she revealed, and she made him a promise. “I promised I would feel your presence always, as I already have.”
Many of Slater’s “Dancing with the Stars” colleagues commented on her post, knowing the connection she’d had with Van Der Beek.
Witney Carson wrote, “I’m so sorry Emma. I know you two were so close. Love you so much.”
Alan Bersten, who is not only Slater’s “Dancing with the Stars” colleague, but also her boyfriend, added, “Sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss.”
Former contestant Chandler Kinney shared, “Emma…he was such a kind human, and the bond you shared was so beautiful.”
Elaine Hendrix, Bersten’s “Dancing with the Stars” partner for season 34, commented, “I’m so sorry Emma. It’s a loss for those of us who only knew him from afar. I can only imagine the loss for those who were close to him. I’m sending you a hug.”
