James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek proved their love to each other by renewing their wedding vows just days before he passed.
“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 told People on Tuesday, February 17.
The “simple and beautiful and moving” ceremony was held at the family’s Texas ranch, where the “Dawson’s Creek” star ultimately passed away.
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Vow Renewal
According to Kimberly, the ceremony was attended by the “Varsity Blues” star’s family and closest friends with more joining via Zoom. Instrumentalist Poranguí, a friend of the late star, played the “most beautiful music,” including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” she told People.
Kimberly Van Der Beek announced her beloved husband’s passing via social media on February 11.
“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,” she wrote alongside a photo of her late husband.
The “Dancing With the Stars” alum was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. However, he did not publicly reveal his cancer battle until November 2024.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Love Story
The pair tied the knot in 2010, one year after meeting during a trip to Israel. They went on to welcome six children together: Daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
The Van Der Beeks would eventually leave Hollywood and settle down on a family farm outside of Austin, Texas.
“15 years ago today, this woman agreed to be my bride,” the late star gushed via social media in August 2025. “[Kimberly] you are the most extraordinary human I’ve ever met. One day I’ll tell the story of what you’ve endured these last two years and how you’ve shown up, time and time and time again. You have not only saved my life… you’ve shown me what it is to live. There are no words for how much I love and appreciate you. I could not do this without you.”
