James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek shared one of the most poignant moments of their lives just days before his passing. The couple renewed their wedding vows in a heartfelt bedside ceremony, a beautiful testament to their unbreakable love amid unimaginable hardship.
A final act of love
James Van Der Beek, forever etched in hearts as the charming Dawson Van Der Beek from the iconic TV series ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ had been fighting stage 3 colorectal cancer since his diagnosis in late 2023. He bravely went public with his battle in November 2024, sharing raw updates that inspired countless fans with his resilience and positivity. But as his health declined in early February 2026, James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek chose to focus on what mattered most: their love story.The renewal happened on February 9, 2026, right from the comfort of their bed. “We made the decision just two days in advance, and our friends provided us with new rings, decorated the bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from the comfort of our bed,” Kimberly Van Der Beek told People. She called it “simple and beautiful and moving,” a gathering that included their six children, close family, and friends, some connecting via Zoom to witness the magic. James Van Der Beek, though frail, lit up with joy, exchanging vows that echoed the promises they first made over 15 years ago. Look at the post hereShe shared they had their very close friends and family, and one of the instrumentalists played ‘most beautiful music’ and closed the ceremony with ‘somewhere over the rainbow’. On February 11, 2026, Kimberly Van Deer Beek, on her Instagram account, announced that her husband passed away. She wrote, “Our beloved James has passed peacefully this morning”. She added, “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.”
Building a life together
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s romance began unexpectedly in 2009 during a trip to Israel. What started as a serendipitous meeting blossomed into a deep connection, leading to a spiritual wedding ceremony in Tel Aviv on August 1, 2010. Their family grew beautifully with the births of Olivia Van Der Beek in 2010, Joshua Van Der Beek in 2012, Annabel Leah Van Der Beek in 2014, Emilia Van Der Beek in 2016, Gwendolyn Van Der Beek in 2021, and little Jeremiah Van Der Beek in 2023.