Meredith Monroe Pays Heartfelt Tribute to James Van Der Beek 2 Weeks After His Death: 'I Still Don't Know What to Say'

Meredith Monroe shared an emotional Instagram tribute to her Dawson's Creek costar James Van Der Beek on Thursday, Feb. 26

NEED TO KNOW

• Van Der Beek, who starred as Dawson Leery in the series, died at age 48 on Feb. 11

• "I've been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years & this is what's come from them - Your legacy is your light," Monroe, who played Andie McPhee wrote

Meredith Monroe is paying tribute to her close friend andDawson's Creekcostar,James Van Der Beek,two weeks afterhis death at the age of 48.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Monroe, 56 — who played Andie McPhee on the beloved teen series from 1998 to 2003 alongside Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery — posted an emotional message onInstagramalongside several photos of the two of them taken through the years.

The actress wrote, "It's been 2 weeks & I still don't know what to say?? Nothing seems right?? James, you, Kimberly, your children & families have been constantly in my thoughts, my prayers & on my heart," referencing Van Der Beek's wife,Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he married in 2010, andtheir six kids.

Monroe continued, "I've been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years & this is what's come from them - Your legacy is your light."

"Whether 1 on 1, at a party, an event, or in your art you've always shared your light through: your humor & laughter your curiosity, time & energy both in others & the world around you your ability to be completely present & make others feel welcome & comfortable your sincerity, friendship, compassion & love," she shared.

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Monroe went on, "James may the love & community that your light has built worldwide be reflected back infinitely upon your beautiful wife Kimberly, your amazing children & your family," concluding, "God gained an angel far too soon. Rest in peace," and adding a white love heart emoji.

Van Der Beek diedon Feb. 11 after beingdiagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancerin 2023.

The late actor'sDawson's CreekcostarKatie Holmeswas alsoamong the many stars from the show paying tributefollowing his tragic death.

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In a moving, hand-written note posted toInstagram, Holmes said that losing Van Der Beek had been "a lot to process."

"I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children. ❤️,"the mom of one, 47, wrote in a caption.

InDawson's Creek, Van Der Beek's Dawson was an aspiring filmmaker with his heart set on his own happily ever after with Joey Potter (Holmes).

"James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression," Holmes began the letter.

She continued, "These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth."

Holmes then listed some of Van Der Beek's best qualities, including "bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength."

"An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero," she added.

Holmes then went on to write that she mourned the loss of Van Der Beek "with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."

The actress concluded her message by addressing her late costar's wife, Kimberly, and their children. "We are here for you always," she wrote. "And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."

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byNeo

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February 27, 2026

Meredith Monroe Pays Heartfelt Tribute to James Van Der Beek 2 Weeks After His Death: 'I Still Don't Know What to Say'

Meredith Monroe shared an emotional Instagram tribute to her Dawson's Creek costar James Van Der Beek on Thursday, F...

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Rihanna Teases New Music as She Reveals She's in the Studio During Glimpse into a Day in Her Life

Rihanna shared a glimpse into her daily routine in a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Feb. 27

NEED TO KNOW

• The singer was seen working on her fashion brand Savage X Fenty, new music and an outfit for her youngest son

• "Commercial break," she captioned the post, which comes as she stars in a new campaign for Dior's J'adore fragrance

Rihannais skipping sleep to stay on top of her businesses and parenting!

On Thursday, Feb. 26, the "Umbrella" singer, 38, shared a glimpse into an average day in her life onInstagramand teased potential new music as she revealed she's been in the studio.

The timestamped video began with her walking into a meeting for her fashion brand Savage X Fenty shortly after 9 p.m. After greeting her co-workers, she was seen discussing designs and examining fabric samples to give her approval. "Le Freak" by CHIC played in the background as Rihanna then signed copies of her albums,Loud, Music of the SunandGood Girl Gone Bad.

"I still have to go to the studio after this and I have to make a Mardi Gras costume for my son after the studio," she said as the meeting continued until almost 2 a.m. "Longest day ever."

The nine-time Grammy winner and rapperA$AP Rockysharetwo sons— Riot, 2, and RZA, 3 — and daughter Rocki, whom they welcomed in September.

Rihanna was busy at work in the studio by around 2:30 a.m., but muted the video's audio to avoid revealing the music she was working on.

The "We Found Love" singer hasn't released a studio album sinceANTIin 2016, while her latest song, "Friend of Mine," was released in 2025 for theSmurfsmovie.

"We should have coffee someday, get to know each other," she joked with the sound engineers in the Instagram video. "Yesterday's price is not today's price."

The musician sharing that she was in the studio sent her fans into a frenzy with hopes she is working on her ninth studio album.

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One wrote in the comments section, "Now this album is really coming!" while another of her 349 million Instagram followers added, "Studio? Do you mean new music? 🎵."

Rihanna then revealed she still hadn't slept when she began "mom duties" at 7 a.m, as she had to get straight to work on her son's Mardi Gras costume.

She was seen gluing sequins and green feathers to an umbrella before also embellishing a pair of denim pants.Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" played as she carried her son Riot out of the house wearing the outfit she finished making at 8:30 a.m.

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He posed from different angles in an embellished blazer and the pants before Rihanna joined the fun, wearing a metallic Mardi Gras mask.

"Commercial break," she captioned the post, concluding the video without revealing if she was finally going to rest.

The video comes during an already busy period for Rihanna as she recently attendedNew York Fashion Weekin support of partner A$AP Rocky, 37, and teased a new Dior J'adore fragrance coming on Feb. 27.

Rocky debuted the Fall/Winter 2026 collection for AWGE during fashion week as Rihanna sat front and center.

"I'm always proud of my man," Rihanna toldNew York Post's Alexaat the event. "My guy's creative and a genius."

Read the original article onPeople

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February 27, 2026

Rihanna Teases New Music as She Reveals She's in the Studio During Glimpse into a Day in Her Life

Rihanna shared a glimpse into her daily routine in a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Feb. 27 NEED TO KNOW ...

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Savannah Guthrie Might Return to Today Show but There’s a Catch — Report

Savannah Guthrieis expected to return to "Today". The question isn't if, it's when. After being away from the anchor desk for several weeks, viewers still expect her return. However, no date has been set yet. Asourcesays Guthrie will come back on her own timeline, even if she needs more time before she feels ready.

Savannah Guthrie is expected to return to Today show but timing is uncertain, says Katie Couric

Former "Today" co-anchor Katie Couric, who spent 15 years on the program, acknowledged just how delicate the moment is. "This situation is tragically unprecedented," Couric said in a recent interview. "I think it's really hard to compare anything else to what Savannah and her family are dealing with right now. Morning shows are living, breathing organisms, and when something happens to a member of these very close-knit teams, it is devastating to everyone."

In Guthrie's absence, NBC made a strategic and sensitive choice. Hoda Kotb, who stepped away from full-time duties early last year, returned on an interim basis. She now anchors alongside Craig Melvin. Kotb will remain in place while Guthrie stays with her family, according to a source close to the matter. Each morning, Melvin and Kotb remind viewers that their colleague "remains with her family."

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Guthrie has occupied the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. flagship hours since 2012, and audiences have built a years-long relationship with her. NBC appears keenly aware of that bond. "They are fortunate that Hoda, who is a familiar and beloved face, is able to step in so seamlessly under very difficult circumstances," Couric said. "I think they are trying to handle it as well as they possibly can."

Over more than a decade, Guthrie has become central to the program's identity. She stepped into the role during a turbulent chapter in "Today"'s history, replacing Ann Curry after an exit that rattled viewers and briefly boosted "Good Morning America".

The postSavannah Guthrie Might Return to Today Show but There's a Catch — Reportappeared first onReality Tea.

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February 27, 2026

Savannah Guthrie Might Return to Today Show but There’s a Catch — Report

Savannah Guthrieis expected to return to "Today". The question isn't if, it's when. After being away from the anchor desk...

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South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of frustration over Google Maps

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's government on Friday said it will allow Google to export detailed mapping data of the country to overseas servers under certain security requirements, responding to years of frustration by foreign travelers who found thatGoogle Mapsdidn't work effectively in the country.

After a review by government officials and private experts, authorities approved Google's request to export 1:5,000-scale, high-precision map data on the condition that it implements security safeguards, such as limiting transfers to data necessary for navigation services and excluding contour lines and other sensitive information.

South Korean officials for years had rejected requests by foreign tech companies such as Google andAppleto transfer detailed mapping data to overseas servers, often citing security concerns, such as the risk that rival North Korea could exploit sensitive geographic information.

Google will have to process the data first on domestic servers and receive government clearance before exporting it, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. Officials also required Google to remove coordinates from South Korean territory and blur satellite and aerial images of military and other sensitive sites in time-series services such as Google Earth and Street View.

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Google will be required to employ a compliance officer in South Korea to handle map export issues, and the government may suspend or revoke the approval if the company fails to comply with the conditions, the ministry said.

In an e-mailed statement, Cris Turner, Google's vice president of government affairs and public policy, said the company "welcomes today's decision and looks forward to ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring fully functioning Google Maps to Korea."

South Korea's restrictions have made it one of the few countries where the globally dominant Google Maps has limited use, with locals mostly relying on the services of South Korean internet companies like Naver andKakao.

Besides security issues, there have also been concerns about the business impact on domestic firms. Some experts in favor of the restrictions have argued that control over national mapping data has become a matter of "sovereignty," as it underpins emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotics and data-driven "smart cities."

Critics say the restrictions hinder innovation and could be undermining tourism, citing complaints from foreign visitors. In South Korea, Google Maps lacks full walking and driving directions.

byNeo

in

February 27, 2026

South Korea allows Google to export map data after years of frustration over Google Maps

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's government on Friday said it will allow Google to export detailed mapping dat...

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