Everything Reese Witherspoon Has Shared About Her 3 Kids

While there’s no doubt that Reese Witherspoon has enjoyed a decades-long career as a successful actor and producer, she also has a fulfilling family life as the proud mom of three.

The Legally Blonde and The Morning Show star shares two children—Ava, born in 1999, and Deacon, born in 2003—with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. Then, in 2012, she welcomed her third child, son Tennessee, with her other ex-husband, Jim Toth. While balancing motherhood with her career is no easy feat, she told Drew Barrymore on her namesake talk show, "Every bit of that sacrifice is truly worth it.” She continued, “Being a mom is really great, it's a big part of my life. I would say it's the biggest part of my life."

That’s not the first time she opened up about the triumphs of parenting, either. The A-lister previously told Glamour, “Seeing my kids for the first time was primal. The ferocity of love you feel for your children when you see them for the first time—but you’ve known them inside you—is phenomenal.” Additionally, in a 2021 interview with Interview magazine, Witherspoon revealed to Tracee Ellis Ross that she “never expected the kind of relationship” that she has with her children but that it’s “so rewarding to be able to have kids that you can process life with a little bit, and they help me understand the complexities of what it means to be a human now.” All in all, she says, “I'm really, really grateful that these little humans are in my life.”

Keep reading to learn more about Witherspoon’s three children—two of whom are following in their mother’s famous footsteps.

Ava Elizabeth Phillippe

Witherspoon’s oldest child, daughter Ava Elizabeth Philippe, was born on Sep. 9, 1999, when Witherspoon was just 23 years old. Witherspoon has been open about the hardships of being a young mom. In the aforementioned interview with Barrymore, the Sweet Home Alabama star revealed she was “terrified.” She continued, “I got pregnant when I was 22 years old, and I didn't know how to balance work and motherhood, you just do it…I was just like every other mom and dad trying to figure it out."

Today, the mother-daughter duo share an unbreakable bond, often gushing about each other on social media. On Mother’s Day in 2022, Ava posted a sweet photo of her and her mom with an equally heartwarming caption: “happy happy mother’s day to my gorgeous, thoughtful, strong, & fun mama! I am so lucky to love & be loved by a mom like you.”

The two, who look nearly identical, have also opened up about their relationship in various interviews. “I'm so proud of her. She really rolls with it. I'm sure it's not easy looking exactly like your mother," Witherspoon told InStyle in 2021. Not only do they look alike, but they also dress alike. In 2022, Ava revealed to PEOPLE, “When we're separated, we're like, 'What are you wearing? Oh! That's weirdly similar.”

While Ava and her A-list mom share a lot in common, the former has also forged her own path. The UC Berkeley graduate has established an impressive modeling career and has worked with major brands like Past MGrath, Vince Camuto, Ivy Park (aka Beyonce’s fashion label), and, fittingly, her mom's clothing line, Draper James.

The mother-daughter duo often take to Instagram to share glimpses of their life and special relationship. To ring in her daughter’s 25th birthday, Witherspoon posted a touching tribute to Instagram, calling her “one of the most genuinely kind-hearted and wise people I know.”

Deacon Reese Phillippe

Witherspoon’s second child, Deacon Reese Phillippe, was born on October 23, 2003. Like his older sister Ava, he, too, looks almost identical to his mom. But that’s not the only thing the mother-son duo have in common. Deacon is following his mom’s footsteps by pursuing a career in the entertainment industry as both an actor and a singer—and Witherspoon couldn’t be prouder. In 2020, she took to Instagram to share her support for Deacon following the release of his first single, “Long Run.” In the clip, she can be found dancing with Deacon while listening to the tune.

More recently, to celebrate Deacon’s 21st birthday, Witherspoon penned a touching tribute to her eldest son, writing: “Can't believe that this amazing young man is turning 21!! Happy birthday, @deaconphillippe 🤍You came into my life to bring me joy, wisdom, and so much love 🥰 you light up my life with your beautiful spirit! I love you so much. “

Deacon himself is also open about his passion for producing and making music. In an interview with Interview magazine, he revealed, “When I was listening to the radio in the car with my dad [actor Ryan Phillippe], something just clicked. I realized there's more to making music than just being a vocalist, and that a lot of times it's the production that makes me feel something," he explained. "I asked my dad about how it works, and he taught me all the stuff he knew, and then I started watching YouTube videos."

In April 2023, Deacon revealed on Instagram that his debut album, A New Earth, was officially out. He went on to describe the album as “a story of my life, our lives, and of love and life in general; it carries thoughts and emotions that I've accumulated, felt, observed, bottled up, and dealt with through the last 19 years of my life. This project was created in my dorm, made by three college kids with big dreams and bigger hearts.” Finally, he concluded the post by thanking his family and God.

Deacon and older sister Ava are especially close. In honor of his 18th birthday, Ava—ever the proud sibling—posted a photo of her brother posing with his birthday cake along with a heartwarming caption: “happy happy birthday @deaconphillippe !! ❤️ I cannot believe the first baby I ever held is now 18 years old… D, you’re simply the best. Funny, loyal, intelligent, genuine, kind, passionate, creative…and the list goes on. You light up rooms and always look for the best in people. Watching you grow into who you’re meant to be is such a joy, and I’m eternally grateful to be your big sister. I love you oh so much, welcome to “adulthood”!! 🎉 1️⃣8️⃣”

Tennessee James Toth

Tennessee James Toth, born Sep. 27, 2012, is Witherspoon’s youngest child. His dad is Witherspoon’s ex-husband, former talent agent, Jim Toth. While the actress prefers to keep Tennessee out of the public eye—most likely because he is still a minor—you may spot him in the occasional Instagram photo. For example, take this birthday post, in which Witherspoon writes, “Happy 11th Birthday to my wonderful son, Tenn! 💫I love your curiosity, your endless energy and your playful sense of humor. Everyday you make me think more about the world around us and dream even bigger. I 💙you so much, Buddy!”

WItherspoons’ older children share similar sentiments. On his tenth birthday, big sister Ava wrote, “Happy happy birthday to this bold, sensitive, smart, & energetic boy. Sure, I was a big sister before him, but he made me an even better one! I love you, Tenn.” the following year, Ava once again took to Instagram to express her love for her younger brother, even revealing that their 13-year age gap “once worried her.” However, she now finds it “the greatest gift I never saw coming.”

Read the original article on InStyle