Reese Witherspoon has built an impressive career both in front of and behind the camera. The Oscar-winning actress, known for films such as Walk the Line and Legally Blonde, is also the founder of Draper James and co-founder of Hello Sunshine, the media company behind hit projects including Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere. But away from Hollywood, Reese has often said that her most important role is being a mom.
The actress shares daughter Ava Phillippe and son Deacon Phillippe with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, and son Tennessee Toth with ex-husband Jim Toth. Over the years, fans have watched Reese’s children grow up in the spotlight, with Ava pursuing modeling and creative projects, Deacon launching a music career and Tennessee occasionally joining his family at public events.
Learn more about Reese’s three children below.
Ava Phillippe
Ava is Reese’s eldest child with her first husband, actor Ryan Phillippe. She was born on September 9, 1999 — just three months after the couple tied the knot in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 5, 1999. Reese, who split from Ryan in 2006, later revealed in a 2008 interview with Jay Leno that Ava was named after Hollywood icon Ava Gardner. “To me, she was the only woman who could break Sinatra,” Reese said. “So the idea of that name to me is very classy and strong.”
Ava graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied social welfare. Reese was candid about how emotional it was to send her eldest child off to college. During a 2019 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the actress admitted she struggled with becoming an empty nester. “It’s weird when your children go away to college. It’s hard,” Reese said. “I might have gone into her empty room, laid down on her bed, and cried.”
Ava has since built a career of her own in modeling, fashion and entertainment. She has appeared in campaigns for brands including Ivy Park, Pat McGrath Labs and Vince Camuto, while also sharing her artwork, photography and other creative projects with fans on social media. Despite forging her own path, Ava remains known for her close bond with Reese and their striking resemblance. The mother-daughter duo frequently attends premieres, award shows and industry events together, often drawing comparisons from fans.
In April 2025, Ava made her acting debut on ABC’s Doctor Odyssey, playing Veronica in the show’s spring break-themed episode alongside Paris Jackson. Ava continued her acting career in 2026 with a guest role on Netflix’s Ransom Canyon.
Deacon Phillippe
Deacon is Reese and Ryan’s second and youngest child together before their split. He was born on October 23, 2003. Like his sister Ava, Deacon shares a strong resemblance to his famous mom. He and Reese have a close bond, often sharing selfies together on social media, like one from April 2021 that showed them smiling in front of a stunning sunset.
After graduating from high school in 2022, Deacon enrolled at New York University. While balancing his studies, he has focused on building a music career. He released his debut single, “Long Run,” featuring singer Nina Nesbitt, in July 2020, followed by “Love for the Summer,” a collaboration written by Kelsea Ballerini. Reese and Ryan both publicly supported the releases, helping introduce his music to fans.
In April 2023, Deacon celebrated the release of his debut album, A New Earth, with his family by his side. He has continued to release original music since then, expanding his catalog with additional singles and performances.
In July 2022, Netflix announced that Deacon would be joining Season 3 of Never Have I Ever, where he played a character named Parker.
Tennessee Toth
Tennessee is Reese’s youngest child and her only one with her ex-husband, talent agent Jim Toth. Reese and Jim began dating in February 2010, got engaged that December, and married on March 26, 2011, in Ojai, California. They welcomed Tennessee on September 27, 2012.
The former couple announced their divorce just days ahead of their 12-year wedding anniversary via Instagram on Mar. 24, 2023. “We have some personal news to share… It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce,” the Instagram note read at the time. “We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness and mutual respect for everything we have created together. Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter,” they continued. “These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”
That same day, a source claimed to PEOPLE that the former lovebirds will remain friendly for their family. “They really are the best of friends and this is such an amicable decision. They are so committed to co-parenting together. They are invested in their whole family and making this as smooth as possible for everyone,” the insider said.
Given Tennessee’s age, Reese largely keeps her youngest child out of the spotlight. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reese gave fans a few glimpses of life with him at home, including photos of Tennessee doing school remotely and hilariously interrupting one of her work calls while playing outside on a swing. “Really nailing this WFH/homeschooling life,” she joked at the time.
Reese has also occasionally shared sweet birthday tributes for her youngest. For his 8th birthday in 2020, she decorated with blue balloons and treated him to a chocolate-frosted donut for breakfast. “You are the brightest spirit, the most inquisitive soul, and the funniest little guy I know,” she wrote on Instagram. “What a joy it is to be your Mama.”
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