Radio Host Ashley Roberts Mistakenly Declares Dick Van Dyke Dead on Air

DeAnna JanesFri, February 13, 2026 at 4:10 AM UTC

0

(Photo by LMPC on Getty Images)

Remember how we all checked in on Betty White? Well, fans are once again performing digital wellness checks for another national treasure: Dick Van Dyke.

Story is: The song-and-dance legend and beloved screen icon was mistakenly pronounced dead today by radio show host Ashley Roberts.

Over a live broadcast on the Thursday edition of the U.K.'s HeartBreakfast (you can listen here), Roberts, who is also a member of the Pussycat Dolls, took a second to pay respects to the recently passed James Van Der Beek. Trouble is, she got her Dutchmen mixed up.

“I do have some sad news: Dawson’s Creek's Dick Van Dyke has passed away,” she said.

Quickly, Jamie Theakston, one of Roberts’ co-hosts, jumped in to correct her.

"Not Dick Van Dyke," he said. "Come on, if you're going to do a sensitive moment, if you're going to do an obituary, you can't just say Dick Van Dyke."

At that point, another co-host, Amanda Holden, confirmed for listeners once and for all that Van Dyke is most definitely still with us.

“He's alive," she said, with Roberts adding, "Yes — he's 100 years old!"

Advertisement

That, she’s right about.

Dick Van Dyke turned 100 on Dec. 13. He celebrated with a private gathering, per Entertainment Weekly. And though the Mary Poppins star has been candid about some issues with mobility and arthritis, he remains pretty darn active for a 100-year-old; see his step-in-time below for proof.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSNxcz5EiE8

Following the on-air flub, Roberts apologized and confirmed that she was indeed speaking about James Van Der Beek, who passed away yesterday after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The news was shared by his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek in a post on Instagram.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," she wrote. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Related: Now That He's 100, Celebrate Dick Van Dyke with His Top Movies, Ranked

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”