Kimberly Van Der Beek is opening up about life after loss. Three months after the passing of her husband, “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek, Kimberly took to Instagram to share a deeply personal reflection on grief, faith, and the journey her family is navigating without him.
GettyThe “Dancing With The Stars” alum died at 48 after a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His official Instagram account confirmed the news at the time with a statement that read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
‘To Say I’m Heartbroken Is a Severe Understatement’: Kimberly’s Raw and Moving Words
Kimberly did not hold back in her tribute. Her words were raw, honest, and deeply human.
“Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames,” she wrote. “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. We all miss him.”
But even in the depths of that grief, she found something to hold onto.
“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,” she continued.
She closed with gratitude for the support that has carried her family through the hardest months of their lives.
“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,” Kimberly wrote.
James Van Der Beek’s Passing and the Family’s Statement
James was best known for his beloved role as the title character on “Dawson’s Creek” and his standout performance in “Varsity Blues”. He had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer before his passing.
His family released a statement through his official Instagram account at the time of his death.
Getty“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement read.
“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.”
Shortly after James’ passing, close friends of the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Kimberly, 44, and the couple’s six children as they navigate an uncertain road ahead.
“Throughout [James’] 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 page read.
It continued: “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.”
