'A true gift from God': Stacy Keibler, WWE Hall of Famer, pays touching tribute to actor James Van Der Beek

WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler shared a deeply moving tribute to her longtime friend, actor James Van Der Beek, who died at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Keibler wrote that 'spending these final days with you was a true gift from God', reflecting on the sacredness of time, presence, and love as they watched sunsets and talked about life. She praised Van Der Beek as an incredible husband and devoted father, saying his bright spirit and lessons on faith and living fully will stay with her always.

Van Der Beek, famed for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, passed away on Wednesday, February 11. Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded social media with tributes, honoring him as one of the iconic stars who shaped late-1990s television.

“The other evening, we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to one another,” the former WWE star wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of him enjoying the view from a wheelchair.

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“Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life," she further wrote.

“When you know time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too.”

Keibler shared that those final moments transformed her perspective on presence and faith.

“In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could,” she continued. “You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.”

Keibler also honored Van Der Beek as a loving husband and father, highlighting how he consistently 'showed up' for his wife, Kimberly, and their children with unwavering strength and care.

“You are a gift. An incredible husband. An extraordinary dad… It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments.”