Reese Witherspoon considers parenthood to be one of her most significant accomplishments, despite her extensive career. In September 1999, the renowned actress, known for her role in "Legally Blonde," became a mother for the first time when she gave birth to her daughter, Ava, with her former husband Ryan Phillippe. Following that, in October 2003, the couple welcomed their son, Deacon.
Despite their divorce after seven years of marriage, they were able to establish a friendly coparenting dynamic. In a 2014 interview with HuffPost Live, Phillippe shared, "I believe we have reached a wonderful place. I am proud of how we have handled it and the individuals our children have become."
Moving forward, Witherspoon found love with talent agent Jim Toth, with whom she tied the knot in March 2011. Their son Tennessee was born in 2012, completing their family.
Since becoming a mother of three, the actress from "Walk the Line" has frequently shared her experiences and insights on raising her children throughout different stages of their lives.
"When they're little, it's all about honesty and being actively involved in their physical care," Witherspoon explained during an October 2022 interview on the "Today" show. "As they grow older, it transitions into providing emotional support and offering suggestions instead of dictating their decisions. It's also crucial to foster healthy adult relationships with your children, respecting their individuality and allowing them to blossom into their authentic selves rather than imposing your own expectations upon them."
Scroll below to see Witherspoon’s sweetest photos with her children:
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
Reese Witherspoon's Best Photos With Her 3 Kids Over the Years: See Their Sweetest Family Photos
Reese Witherspoon, known for her extensive career, considers parenthood to be one of her most significant accomplishments. In September 1999, the famous star of "Legally Blonde" became a mother for the first time, when she had a daughter named Ava with her former spouse Ryan Phillippe. Following that, Witherspoon and Phillippe, who were married from 1999 to 2006, had a son named Deacon in October 2003.
After their seven-year marriage ended in divorce, they were able to develop a positive coparenting dynamic. Phillippe expressed his satisfaction with their current situation, stating, "We have reached a truly wonderful place," during an interview with HuffPost Live in 2014. He added, "I am proud of how we have navigated this and the remarkable individuals our children have become."
Witherspoon found love again with talent agent Jim Toth, whom she married in March 2011, and their marriage lasted until March 2023. They welcomed their son Tennessee in 2012, their only child together.
Since becoming a mother of three, the Walk the Line actress has frequently discussed her experiences raising her children through various stages of their lives.
She emphasized the importance of honesty, stating, "When they're little, it's mostly about taking care of their physical needs. As they grow older, it becomes more about providing emotional support and offering suggestions instead of dictating their choices. It's crucial to nurture the adult relationships we have with our children and give them the space and respect to develop into their authentic selves, rather than molding them into our own desires."
Scroll below to see Witherspoon’s sweetest photos with her children:
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
October 2023
Happy birthday to my amazing son @deaconphillippe! Can't believe you're already a grown man at 20 years old. You bring so much joy, love, and positivity into our lives. Keep spreading that beautiful light! Love you so much, mama️️. Deacon expressed his love with a sweet "Love u mama️️" in the comments section.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
September 2023
"On Ava's birthday, I expressed my delight in witnessing your growth and transformation into an incredibly inspiring, considerate, imaginative, vibrant, and humorous woman," shared Witherspoon on Instagram. "Being your mother has been an invaluable lesson for me. How fortunate am I to have had this opportunity?!! My love for you knows no bounds!"
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
January 2023
“Welcoming 2023 !️ Let the sun shine in,” the Your Place or Mine actress captioned a New Year’s Day pic with Toth and Tennessee.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
December 2022
Witherspoon posed with the CAA agent and her three kids on Christmas Day.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
December 2022
The Oscar winner and Toth took their son to volunteer at a festive holiday fundraiser.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
September 2022
The Busy Betty author was all smiles at Sunday brunch with her mother, Betty Witherspoon, and Ava.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
August 2022
“This hug made my whole year,” Reese gushed via Instagram, sharing a snap with Deacon.
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Phillippe/Instagram
June 2022
The Big Little Lies alum and Phillippe beamed during their son’s high school graduation, in which the Big Sky actor served as “principal” since Deacon was homeschooled.
Credit: Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
May 2022
Reese, Toth, the Never Have I Ever alum and Tennessee attended a Nashville Soccer Club game.
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Phillippe/Instagram
October 2021
“Wishing a very happy 18th birthday to our incredible son, who is not only beautiful but also intelligent, talented, and kind-hearted. You truly shine in this world and are adored by everyone who knows you,” expressed Phillippe on Deacon’s special day through Instagram. “We feel fortunate to be your parents and love you immensely, pup..(I’d say we did a great job @reesewitherspoon).”
Credit: Courtesy of Deacon Phillippe/Instagram
May 2021
Reese and Deacon snapped a beach selfie while celebrating Mother’s Day.
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
December 2019
Ava and Deacon walked the Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Breakfast Gala red carpet with their mother and then-stepfather.
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
October 2015
When the Hello Sunshine founder was honored at the 29th annual American Cinematheque gala, she brought special dates: Ava and Deacon.
Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
December 2010
Ava and Deacon were by their mom’s side when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.