Rick Kern/Getty; Alana Springsteen/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly reposted a cover of the Dawson's Creek theme song "I Don't Want To Wait" performed by country singer Alana Springsteen
Springsteen shared the cover in support of the Van Der Beek family's GoFundMe amid James Van Der Beek's death
Van Der Beek died at 48 from colorectal cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 11
James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly reposted a cover of theDawson's Creektheme song "I Don't Want To Wait," originally by Paula Cole, in the wake of her husband's death.
Singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen shared an acoustic cover of the song alongside Sara Bares and Lauren LaRue in anInstagrampost on Thursday, Feb. 12.
"rip james van der beek 🙏🏻💔 this loss hit me hard today," Springsteen, 25, began in the caption. "So much girlhood was lived to the backdrop of his work. praying for his beautiful family. link to the gofundme that his friends started to help with their expenses is in my bio if you feel led to support."
Cole, 57, responded to the cover, writing in the comment section of Springsteen's post, "So beautiful. Tears and more tears. Thank you for honoring James and his family. ❤️."
Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, reposted the cover to herInstagram Stories.
Friends of Kimberly created aGoFundMeto support the Van Der Beek family amid the loss of James. The fundraiser claims the family is out of money and struggling to stay in their home after James' death on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," a description on the fundraiser read.
"They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time," it continued. "The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."
The post went on to say that funds will cover essential living expenses, bills and support the children's education.
"Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives," read the post. "Thank you for considering a gift to support them."
The GoFundMe has raised over $2 million, including a $25,000 donation from Steven Spielberg, who was the favorite director of James'Dawson's Creekcharacter.
James shares six kids with his wife, Kimberly — daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
James died at 48 due to complications of stage 3 colorectal cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 11. His wifeannounced the news on Instagram.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," Kimberly wrote. "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."
The actor was first diagnosed in August 2023 and announced his diagnosis exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2024.
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"I have colorectal cancer," he revealed at the time. "I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."
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