The entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor from Dawson's Creek who passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer. His widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, has paid a poignant tribute to her late husband by sharing a rendition of the show's iconic theme song, I Don't Want to Wait, which in turn prompted a heartfelt response from the song's original singer, Paula Cole.
Kimberly's Musical Tribute and Paula Cole's Emotional Reply
On Thursday, Kimberly reshared an acoustic version of I Don't Want to Wait performed by country singer Alana Springsteen. In her caption, Springsteen expressed how the loss 'hit me hard,' noting that much of her 'girlhood was lived to the backdrop of his work.' She also directed followers to a GoFundMe campaign organized by friends to support Van Der Beek's family, which includes his six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
Paula Cole, the 57-year-old Grammy-winning artist who originally recorded the theme song, responded in the comments with a deeply emotional message. 'So beautiful. Tears and more tears. Thank you for honoring James and his family,' Cole wrote, adding to the wave of condolences sweeping through social media.
The Legacy of Dawson's Creek and Paula Cole's Career
Dawson's Creek, which premiered in 1998 and starred Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams alongside Van Der Beek, became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Interestingly, 1998 was also the year Cole won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, cementing her place in music history. After releasing her debut album, Harbinger, in 1994, Cole became a staple of '90s radio with hits like I Don't Want to Wait and Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?
As one of the original performers at the first Lilith Fair, she was part of a celebrated circle of female singer-songwriters that included Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Shawn Colvin. In a 2024 interview with UsWeekly, Cole reflected on her enduring connection to the Dawson's Creek theme, stating, 'I'm not tired of doing it. It's like those songs they play themselves, especially "I Don't Want to Wait." It's like I get in the car and then the roller-coaster just goes. It's like that song plays itself, and then the whole venue lights up.'
Hollywood Tributes Pour In for James Van Der Beek
The news of Van Der Beek's death has resonated deeply throughout Hollywood, with numerous Dawson's Creek castmates and other stars sharing emotional tributes. Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter on the show, posted a hand-written statement on Instagram, remembering Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life.' She added, 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.'
Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson's Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram. She wrote that her 'heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,' acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans. Philipps went on to say she was 'profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,' describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion' who will be 'forever missed.'
Support from Friends and the GoFundMe Campaign
Just hours after Van Der Beek's death was announced, Alfonso Ribeiro shared a throwback photo of the two friends, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant. Ribeiro wrote, 'He will live forever in my heart. 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.'
Other stars, including Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, expressed devastation. Witherspoon wrote, 'What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.'
Following the family's announcement on Wednesday, more celebrities joined in sharing condolences, with Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responding with likes on social media. A GoFundMe page was launched to help support Van Der Beek's family, with a starting goal of $500,000. Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories, 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.' The page added that donations would help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.
The family's statement read, 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.'
