James Van Der Beek‘s widow is paying respects to Hollywood icon Eric Dane following his passing at age 53 – just over a week after losing her own spouse.
Kimberly Van Der Beek paid tribute to Eric with a photo capturing happier times their families shared together.
She wrote a message sending her love to Eric’s wife Rebecca Gayheart and recalled a bittersweet memory of James and Eric’s friendship.
‘RIP @realericdane We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together,’ she captioned the post.
The photo captured the Van Der Beeks posing alongside Eric, Rebecca, and their two daughters at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, a gala benefitting those seeking meaningful employment.
It is a cause that has clearly resonated with both Eric and James, who have attended the gala in previous years – and were even photographed together.
James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is paying tribute to the late Eric Dane
Pictures show James and Eric attending the ball back in 2014 and 2007 as they shared the spotlight with their spouses.
Dane’s death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
ALS is ‘a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord’ and can ’cause loss of muscle control,’ per Mayo Clinic.
Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease last year in April.
James died at age 48 on Wednesday, February 11 following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
The Dawson’s Creek star left behind wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Kimberly announced her husband’s passing on Instagram, writing: ‘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.
She uploaded a photo of the Van Der Beeks and Danes at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017
The couples also attended the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball back in 2014
James attended the same gala with his then-wife Heather McComb back in 2007, and posed for a photo with the Danes along with actress Soleil Moon Frye
The couple renewed their wedding vows in the days leading up to his passing
‘For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.’
In the days leading up to his passing, James and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows.
‘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 told People.
She described the moment as ‘simple and beautiful and moving,’ with loved ones by their side and more friends joining via Zoom.
Musician Poranguí, a close friend of the couple, provided live music for the ceremony, closing the touching tribute with a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
