Father's Day was especially emotional for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek, as his widow Kimberly shared a tear-jerking tribute that left fans reaching for the tissues.
Taking to Instagram on what marked the first Father's Day since the beloved actor's death, Kimberly honored her husband with a heartfelt message celebrating the father he was to their six children.
"Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today," she wrote. "And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You're a marvel."
The emotional post quickly drew thousands of reactions from fans still mourning the loss of the former Dawson's Creek star, who died in February 2026 at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. James had first been diagnosed in 2023 and later went public with his health struggles in 2024.
The actor, who became a household name playing Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama, spent his final years focused on family life in Texas with Kimberly and their six children. Just days before his passing, the couple quietly renewed their wedding vows in an intimate bedside ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Kimberly's latest tribute offered a glimpse into the deep bond the couple shared. Her touching words suggested that although James is gone, his influence continues to guide their family every day.
The post comes amid an outpouring of remembrance for the actor, with former co-stars, friends, and fans continuing to celebrate his legacy as both a television icon and devoted father.
For many fans who grew up watching James on television, Kimberly's Father's Day message was a poignant reminder that some loves don't end when life does. Instead, they live on through memories, family, and the lessons left behind.
And judging by Kimberly's words, James Van Der Beek's greatest role may not have been on screen at all-it was being Dad.
