In a poignant and deeply personal revelation, Kimberly Van Der Beek has publicly shared that she and her late husband, actor James Van Der Beek, renewed their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony just days before his tragic passing. The beloved Dawson's Creek star died peacefully on February 11 at the age of 48, following a courageous three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
A Final Act of Love and Commitment
Speaking to People magazine for the first time since her husband's death, Kimberly described how the couple decided on a spontaneous vow renewal ceremony with only two days' notice. Their close friends quickly organized the meaningful event, providing new rings and transforming their bedroom into a floral sanctuary filled with candles.
"We renewed our vows from bed," Kimberly revealed, describing the ceremony as "simple, beautiful and moving." The couple's family and a select group of friends attended in person, while additional loved ones joined via Zoom to witness the emotional occasion.
Musical Tribute and Family Legacy
Instrumentalist Poranguí provided what Kimberly called "the most beautiful music" during the ceremony, concluding the heartfelt event with a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. James Van Der Beek leaves behind his devoted wife and their six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4).
A Whirlwind Romance Remembered
The couple's love story began in 2009 during a trip to Israel, where they met under unexpected circumstances. In a 2020 Instagram post, James recounted how Kimberly interrupted a conversation he was having with a friend about wanting to end his single life.
"I was annoyed. Who the hell was stepping all over my moment?" he wrote at the time. That interrupting voice belonged to Kimberly, who would become his life partner. Despite her initial declaration that she wasn't looking for a relationship, the couple moved in together six months later, welcomed their first child two weeks after that, and married almost exactly one year after their first encounter.
Thirteen Years of Adventure and Partnership
In 2023, James marked their 13th wedding anniversary by sharing memories of their unconventional Tel Aviv wedding at the Kabbalah Center. "We rushed to get ready, had a bunch of people we didn't know dance around us, got ambushed by Israeli paparazzi afterwards, then ate at an outdoor Lebanese dive," he recalled fondly.
Reflecting on their marriage, James wrote: "We've gone through success, tragedy, joy, stress, triumph, uncertainty, and through it all...these have been the best years of my life. Every moment. Because I have the BEST adventure partner."
Community Support and Financial Challenges
Following the actor's passing, friends established a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, who faced significant financial strain from medical expenses during James's cancer treatment. The fundraiser initially aimed to raise $1.5 million but has since surpassed $2.6 million, with notable contributions from directors Steven Spielberg and Jon M. Chu.
The campaign description explained: "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."
Preserving Stability and Education
Funds raised through the campaign will help cover essential living expenses, household bills, and the children's educational needs as the family navigates this difficult transition. The description emphasized the family's efforts to "stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time."
The family's original statement announcing James's passing highlighted his final days: "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."
Kimberly's revelation about their final vow renewal ceremony adds a touching layer to the actor's legacy, showcasing the enduring love and commitment that defined their relationship until the very end.
