Kimberly Van Der Beek is turning to AI technology to relive cherished moments with her late husband, James Van Der Beek.
On Tuesday, September 8, Kimberly, 44, shared an Instagram Story featuring five AI-generated images of herself alongside the former Dawson’s Creek actor, who passed away in February at 48 due to complications from colorectal cancer. “Felt like a solid use of AI today,” she noted.
In the image collection, she imagined how she and James might have looked in the 80s, dressed in outfits like double denim and cowboy hats. “Typing into ChatGPT what I would have looked like in the 80s,” she added to the collage.
This post followed a little over a month after Kimberly commemorated what would have been their 16th wedding anniversary. On August 1, she shared an Instagram tribute saying, “16 years ago, I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames. The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold every day with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I’m eternally grateful.”
Kimberly and James were parents to six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, and Gwendolyn, 8, as well as sons Joshua, 14, and Jeremiah, 4. James is survived by Kimberly and their children.
Since his passing, Kimberly has frequently paid tribute to James, often sharing heartfelt reflections on their love through Instagram Stories. On June 28, she posted, “Baby, love does not die. Death does not part,” alongside nostalgic photos of the couple.
Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Instagram Story Courtesy of Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
Kimberly also maintains family ties by sharing photos of their children, highlighting how James was often engaged in projects with the kids. She confirmed James’ passing on February 11, stating, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity, and the importance of time. For now, we ask for privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The announcement led to an outpouring of support, with loved ones and fans raising over $2.9 million through a GoFundMe campaign initially aiming to collect $1.5 million to support Kimberly and her children in James’ absence.
