The wife of late actor James Van Der Beek has revealed the couple secretly renewed their wedding vows just days before his death on February 11.
The ceremony was described as “simple, beautiful and moving,” the actress told People.
Loved ones surrounded the couple in person, while close friends joined via Zoom.
“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.
Their close friend, instrumentalist Poranguí, performed music throughout the ceremony and closed it with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
The couple first wed on August 1, 2010, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Van Der Beek had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer for more than two years before his death last Wednesday, aged 49.
His family publicly confirmed his diagnosis at the end of 2024 after the actor revealed he was forced to share the news when a media outlet threatened to publish the story first.
His wife announced his death on Instagram, writing: “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.”
Amid ongoing medical costs, friends created a GoFundMe page to support the family. Van Der Beek also sold signed merchandise to help raise money for families facing the financial burden of cancer treatment.
The Dawson’s Creek actor is survived by his wife Kimberley, 44, and their six children.