James Van Der Beek's widow has paid tribute to her "magnificent" husband in a post marking her first Father's Day since his death.

The 48-year-old passed away in February after battling cancer, leaving behind wife Kimberly and their six children - Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and four-year-old Jeremiah.

On Sunday (21.06.26), Kimberly took to her Instagram to remember her late spouse in a heartbreaking post marking the special day.

Sharing snaps of James with his children, she wrote: "Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today.

"And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent.

"You're a marvel."

The comments section was immediately filled with supportive remarks from Kimberly's friends and family, including some of James' Dawson's Creek co-stars.

James played the lead role in the beloved TV series, which ran from 1998 to 2003.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mum int he show, commented: "He is 'one in a million' … always has been … always will be.

"Sending ((hugs)) from the west coast this morning."

Actress Nikki Reed wrote: "The best of the best forever. We love you so much James. Wrapping all of your little people in the warmest hugs today, and always."

While Krysten Ritter added: "The best of the best. Happy Father's Day, James."

As someone else wrote: "James is a living example of fatherly love made manifest every day.

"What a blessing to have all these videos and documented expressions of his heart towards his babies that live on forever.

"I hope there is peace and comfort for each of you today."

Another person commented: "I hope there is peace and comfort for each one of you today. James was a special person to so many of us and a father for so many to follow as an example."

In March, James' daughter Emilia opened up about the passing of her dad - who lost his three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer on what would've been his 49th birthday.

She said in an Instagram video: "As you will probably know, my dad has passed away. But I'm just going to tell you some little tips or anything that helps you get through anybody you love passing.

"So today is my dad's birthday, and the number one thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out.

"If you miss them, you can cry. You can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day. I start with a sentence, and I say, 'Hi, Dad. I miss you, and I love you so much, and I'll never stop loving you.'

"And I just tell him about my day, how I'm feeling, and I told my family how I'm feeling. And I know he can hear me, but I can't hear him. My mum can.

"And you have to feel them in your heart, because they're in your heart. They're watching over you. They're a part of your body and in a good place.

"I know that my dad's in a good place. He's not in pain anymore. He's in heaven above the clouds with God and the Lord."