Reese Witherspoon’s children are her greatest gift. The actress and movie producer is always excited to share how much her kids, Ava, Deacon, and Tennessee, mean to her. In her own words, the three Reese Witherspoon children are the biggest part of her life. Here’s what she has to say about them, their influence on her life, and her journey through motherhood.
Most people only know Reese Witherspoon as a talented actress and TV show favorite. But only a few know her as an amazing mother. Indeed, the 48-year-old Louisiana native has made her mark in the American movie industry and beyond. Aside from being a great actress, she also founded a production company and a book club.
However, the multi-award winner doesn’t cherish anything else more than her children. She loves being a mother to her daughter, Ava Phillipe, her son, Deacon Phillipe, and her last child, Tennessee James Toth. True to her words, Reese Witherspoon has put her kids first every step of the way.
Of course, balancing career and family is always a fierce battle for Hollywood stars. The demands are even more overwhelming for single parents like Witherspoon. “There’s a lot of compromise … You feel like that’s what makes me wake up on a Sunday, it’s not movies or my job, it’s my kids,” the actress said.
“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,” she added. Witherspoon is happy to give all it takes to be there for her offspring. For her, the children are worth the sacrifice. Here’s all you need to know about Reese Witherspoon’s children.
ALSO READ: Serena Williams’ Husband, Alex Ohanian, Says He Removed “Half” His Thyroid in Preventive Surgery
Ava Phillipe
25-year-old Ava Elizabeth Phillipe is a carbon copy of her mom. She was born on September 9, 1999, in Los Angeles to Witherspoon and her then-husband, Ryan Phillipe. During an interview, Ryan disclosed the meaning of his daughter’s name.
Speaking with Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show With Jay Leno in 2008, he explained that Ava is her actual name: “My daughter’s name is Ava … [like] Ava Gardner because to me she was the only woman who could break [Frank] Sinatra” He also revealed that he found the name “classy and strong.”
Ava has followed her passion into the entertainment industry. She has a talent for modeling and has secured the patronage of high-profile brands such as Beyonce’s Ivy Park, Pat McGrath, and her mom’s clothing line, Draper James. The University of California Berkeley graduate has also been quite visible in public events.
Deacon Reese Phillipe
Deacon Reese Phillipe, 21, was born on October 23, 2003. Reese Witherspoon’s first son, Deacon, was born in Los Angeles to the actress and Ryan Phillipe. Deacon began pursuing his passion for music when he finished high school in 2022.
He shares a great bond with both parents and is a workout partner with his dad. Ryan often shares how his son has challenged him in that venture. “We’ll do the same workout, and the way he looks after compared to the way I look is really defeating,” he stated in an interview.
Tennessee James Toth
The youngest of Reese Witherspoon’s children is Tennessee James Toth. The 12-year-old was born on September 27, 2012, also in Los Angeles. He is the fruit of Witherspoon’s marriage to her second husband, Jim Toth.
In September 2023, Witherspoon shared a photo of her and Tennessee on her social media for his birthday. She was hugging the kid in the photo with a caption that read, “Happy 11th Birthday to my wonderful son, Tenn. I love your curiosity, your endless energy, and your playful sense of humor.”
“Every day, you make me think more about the world around us and dream even bigger. I [love emoji] so much, Buddy!” Unfortunately, Witherspoon has also split from his dad, Jim Toth. But both are working hard to make him feel as little of the impact of their separation as possible.
Who Is Reese Witherspoon’s Children’s Father?
Reese Witherspoon’s children’s fathers are Ryan Phillipe and Jim Toth. The actress met her first husband, Ryan Phillipe, during her 21st birthday party. They later worked together on a movie project before they tied the knot in June 1999. Unfortunately for their two kids, Ava and Deacon, the union didn’t last more than a decade.
They divorced in October 2006, when Deacon was just 3 years old. While announcing their divorce, they assured their commitment to their family. Since then, Phillipe has been a co-parent to Reese Witherspoon’s children.
Afterward, Reese Witherspoon found love and married again—this time with Jim Toth, another Hollywood colleague. In September 2023, they welcomed Tennessee. However, they decided to part ways on March 24, 2023, just days before their 12th year of marriage. Also, they promised to be there for their son despite their separation.
ALSO READ: Jennifer Hudson Reveals Boyfriend Common Gets “Bossy” When They Make Music Together
Are Any of Reese Witherspoon’s Children Gay?
Probably! The first of the three Reese Witherspoon children, Ava Elizabeth Phillipe, is gay. She celebrated 2024’s pride month by sharing a snap that showed her waving a rainbow flag. The next day, she reposted a quote that read, “Pride is important because someone tonight still believes they’re better off dead than being themselves.”
Ava had previously stated that she doesn’t do labels while dating when asked about her sexuality, which attracted a lot of criticism from social media.
You Might Also Like:
Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed Reportedly Split a While Ago
Rupert Grint Faces $2.3 Million Tax Bill After Losing Case Against British Tax Authorities
Jennifer Hudson Reveals Boyfriend Common Gets “Bossy” When They Make Music Together
Paris Hilton Husband Carter Reum Celebrates Thanksgiving With His Wife and Their Two Kids