Emma Slater honored her former Dancing with the Stars partner following his passing.
The Dancing with the Stars pro took to Instagram to pay tribute to James Van Der Beek after news broke that he died from colorectal cancer.
“My partner. My big brother. Over the many photos we’ve taken over the years, this one is still my favorite,” Emma began her caption, posted alongside a photo of her and James from the competition.
“Dancing and laughing. It’s what we do.”
James Van Der Beek was partnered with Emma during Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars in 2019.
The duo placed fifth and were eliminated during the semifinals that same year.
“It started with being dance partners and I was beyond excited to be dancing with you, and it continued into the deepest of friendships,” she continued.
“You, Kimberly and the kids became family and I found so much purpose in our little community. Watching your love for your family changed my life.”
Emma also shared a video of her and her former partner performing the samba, which was his wife Kimberly’s favorite dance of his.
ICYMI: The Dawson’s Creek star died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a private, nearly three year journey with the illness.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
