Only a day after the devastating information of James Van Der Beek’s dying at simply 48 years outdated, his shut buddy Alfonso Ribeiro is opening his coronary heart in a manner that’s nearly too intimate to witness.
On Thursday, the 54-year-old Dancing with the Stars host took to Instagram to share a deeply private picture from his last moments with the Dawson’s Creek alum. The picture reveals Alfonso mendacity in mattress beside James, holding his head shut, their faces touching in a quiet, personal goodbye.
Alfonso revealed that the picture was taken by James’ spouse, Kimberly Van Der Beeksimply minutes earlier than he mentioned farewell for the final time. He wrote:
“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just some minutes earlier than I mentioned my final goodbye. My final second was making him chuckle one final time. I actually miss him already.”
That single sentence carries a lot weight. And the picture is even heavier:
Oof.
Kimberly, who shares six kids with James — daughters Olivia15, Annabel12, Emilia9½, Gwendolyn7, and sons Joshua13, and Jeremiah4 — introduced her husband’s passing on Wednesday. James had been battling stage 3 colorectal most cancers since 2023, after present process a precautionary colonoscopy prompted by adjustments in his well being. He went public together with his analysis in November 2024, bravely opening up a few journey that may finally develop into a heartbreaking curler coaster for his household and closest buddies.
Later that very same day, Alfonso shared much more about what James meant to him, revealing he’s Gwendolyn’s godfather.
Alfonso additionally described being there via each excessive and crushing low of James’ battlewitnessing firsthand the hope when it appeared like James would possibly beat the illness and the devastation when it returned.
Ribeiro wrote on the time:
“I’m so damaged proper now with the passing of my buddy @vanderjames right now. He was my true buddy brother and life information. I used to be with him via this horrible journey to beat most cancers. His household and buddies went on this curler coaster journey. The highs when it appeared like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming again. I’ve realized a lot from james. He and @vanderkimberly modified my life. I’ll without end be in debt for all they’ve given me and my household. He’ll stay without end in my coronary heart.”
And maybe most transferring of all was Ribeiro’s promise to James’ kids:
“I’ll at all times be there for his or her kids. I’ll at all times maintain my function as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the crucial essential roles of my life. I like you James and know I’ve a guardian angel watching over me. Having the ability to say goodbye this weekend will at all times stay with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Wow.
Actually, really crushing. There actually aren’t any different phrases.
(Picture through Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram)