Kimberly Van Der Beek is honoring her late husband, James Van Der Beek, three months after his passing. On Tuesday, May 12, the devoted mother of six marked the three-month anniversary of the Dawson's Creek alum's demise by sharing a poignant tribute on Instagram. In the 9-photo carousel, James, who died at 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11, after his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, is seen alongside his six children, whom he once described as the people who "made me happiest." Kimberly opened up about her grief in her heartfelt caption, sharing that the reality of her loss is "settling in."
"Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I'm heartbroken is a severe understatement," she began her heartfelt caption. "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."
"Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply," she continued. "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."
Kimberly concluded her caption, giving thanks to all the support she and her family have received during one of the hardest times in their lives. Kimberly described the outpouring of love and support from others as "tremendous," adding that she "could have never expected" it.
"It's held our family in the most beautiful of ways," she wrote. "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."
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Kimberly announced the news of her husband's death in an Instagram post, saying he had "passed peacefully this morning." "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote.
She continued by asking for "peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," as she promised that there is "much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time."
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and shared that diagnosis with PEOPLE in 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 said at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Eight months after revealing his cancer diagnosis, the actor candidly explained how he talked to his children about his health journey. “I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just to be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” said Van Der Beek during a July appearance on the third hour of Today.
The Varsity Blues star added to PEOPLE that his children processed the news in their own way, noting that they were "scared," but continued to be "supportive and loving." “They’re scared,” the famed actor said. “It’s natural. But they’ve been so supportive and loving and tender.” Van Der Beek jokingly added, “One thing I’ve asked every doctor is, ‘What are the odds, and be straight with me, that I can get my kids to stop calling it butt cancer?’"
