The world is still reeling from the shocking loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved Dawson Leery of Dawson’s Creek, who passed away at just 48 years old on February 11, 2026.
While fans and colleagues mourn, one tribute has especially struck a chord: Alfonso Ribeiro’s deeply personal message.
His last goodbye
One day after James Van Der Beek’s sudden death at 48, Alfonso Ribeiro opened his heart on Instagram, sharing a private, deeply emotional farewell.
The Dancing with the Stars host, 54, posted a touching photo of himself holding Van Der Beek’s head close just moments before saying goodbye.
“This was taken by Vander Kimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,” Ribeiro wrote, naming the late actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, as the photographer. “My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
The tribute offered fans a rare glimpse into the profound friendship between the two men — one that extended far beyond Hollywood.
Ribeiro described standing by Van Der Beek throughout his private battle with cancer as a “roller coaster ride” of highs and devastating lows. Their bond ran deeper than friendship; just days earlier, Ribeiro revealed he was the godfather to one of Van Der Beek’s daughters, a role that reflected years of loyalty, support, and shared life moments.
“I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.”
Ribeiro also reflected on the impact James and Kimberly had on his own family. “He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family,” he wrote.
Katie Holmes’ handwritten letter
Kimberly, who shares six children — Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4 — with Van Der Beek, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
The grief was deeply felt by those who knew him personally. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Katie Holmes shared something rare in today’s digital world: a handwritten letter. The image shows a cream-colored sheet filled edge-to-edge with her delicate script — thoughtful, measured, and reverent. At the top, she simply wrote “James.” Her caption set the tone: “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey.”
She continued, addressing Kimberly directly: “Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
In her letter, Holmes reflected on the privilege of working alongside Van Der Beek:
“Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ [sic] hearts are safe in their expression…”
She fondly recalled “laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth…” before capturing his essence in four defining words: “Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength.”
Holmes also honored his devotion to family, noting his “beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a Hero.” One of the most moving lines revealed her own sense of loss: “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
I am heartbroken over the passing of James Van Der Beek. He was not only a brilliant actor but also an extraordinary human being. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his wife Kimberly, their six wonderful children, family, friends, and countless fans. James, may you rest in heavenly peace!
