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James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly Van Der Beek is sharing emotional new details about their final days together before his death at 48.
Kimberly recently spoke to People about her husband's last days before he passed away February 11, including how they quickly planned a celebration to renew their wedding vows from their home. The couple originally tied the knot August 1, 2010, and welcomed six children together: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
"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," she said.
Kimberly said the ceremony, attended by family and close friends, was "simple and beautiful and moving," with even more friends watching the special moment over Zoom and another pal, instrumentalist Poranguí, providing the "most beautiful music," including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
The Dawson's Creek star's family confirmed in a statement on Instagram on February 11 that he has "passed peacefully." He was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and shared his diagnosis publicly in November 2024.
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," they wrote. "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."