Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe Reunite at Son Deacon’s College Grad

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Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe‘s intention? To support their kids.

I was so thrilled to see Reese and Ryan come together on May 15th! They put aside any differences to celebrate their son, Deacon Phillippe, graduating from NYU. It was a really special moment for their whole family.

Reese, wearing a navy dress, white blazer, and matching heels, smiled proudly as she photographed her 21-year-old son outside Radio City Music Hall. He was dressed in his purple graduation gown and gold academic stole.

Ryan, dressed in a white button-down shirt, black pants, and sneakers, was also thrilled and started taking pictures with his phone.

Reese Witherspoon and her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, who share their 26-year-old daughter Ava, both took pictures with Deacon. Her other ex-husband, Jim Toth, and their 13-year-old son, Tennessee, were also present.

This happy event happens almost 20 years after Reese and Ryan got divorced. Even after ending their seven-year marriage in 2006, they continued to work together to raise their two children.

Ryan, 51, recently told TopMob News that he and his ex-wife are proud parents. He described their children as having strong self-awareness, being very thoughtful, and highly motivated students who consistently make smart decisions.

That’s why the Cruel Intentions actor explained that he and Reese, age 50, are happy to offer advice and support as their children build careers in the entertainment world.

Ryan, who also shares 14-year-old daughter Kai Knapp with his ex, Alexis Knapp, added that it’s good to share your experiences and offer guidance based on what you’ve learned.

He’s delighted that his kids are pursuing their passions, whether it’s Ava following in his acting career or Deacon focusing on music.

Ryan explained that his son feels more like a friend than just a child. While he still definitely sees himself as a father, and his son views him that way too, they also bond over shared passions for music and comedy, and enjoy experiencing those things together.

Likewise, Reese encourages her kids to dive into their passions—regardless of success.

As parents, we shouldn’t try to mold our children into what we want them to be,” an Oscar-winning actor shared on the Good Inside with Dr. Becky podcast in 2023. “Instead, we should focus on discovering who they truly are and supporting their natural talents.

She explained that letting children experience failure is important because they learn from it. Preventing them from facing difficult situations actually harms their development.

Read on for more co-parenting insights from celebrities.

Despite ending their romantic relationship in 2023, the Grammy-winning musician and their Swedish-Syrian partner continue to co-parent their children, Lucia and Renn.

Jwan shared with Attitude in September 2025 that they have a truly great relationship with their co-parent. They described it as peaceful and stable, explaining they live close by, talk regularly, and prioritize their children’s well-being.

He described it as more than just an experience, but a truly wonderful way of life. He said, “It’s been really lovely—not just something you do, but how you live.”

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, parents to Noah, Bodhi, and Journey, prioritize their children’s well-being as they navigate co-parenting. Brian emphasized in April 2024 that everything should revolve around the kids’ experience, acknowledging that a breakup will inevitably affect them, but the way it affects them is within their control. He believes it’s crucial to choose your battles, recognizing that disagreements led to the separation in the first place. He explained that co-parenting, after separation, is different than being in a relationship and requires a separate approach. Megan, whose divorce from Brian was finalized in 2022, agrees. On The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023, she stated that it’s vital to never speak negatively about the other parent, even subtly. She focuses on maintaining a positive energy around her children, as accepting their father is essential to accepting a part of who they are – he’s a fundamental part of their identity and existence.

As a fan, I’m so happy to see how well Josh Duhamel and Fergie are co-parenting! Josh has talked so openly about how amazing Fergie is, and it’s really heartwarming. He was on The Jess Cagle Show recently and shared how welcoming she was to his wife, Audra Mari – he even said it could have been much more difficult, but Fergie has been incredible. She was genuinely thrilled when they announced they were expecting Shepherd, who arrived in January 2024 and joined big brother Axl. It’s so clear she’s a kind person, and she’s truly excited for Josh and Audra. Considering their divorce was finalized in 2019, after they separated in 2017, it’s fantastic they’ve created such a civil and supportive family dynamic. It just shows what’s possible when you prioritize kindness and respect, even after a split.

Irina Shayk, who has a daughter named Lea with Bradley Cooper, doesn’t like the label ‘co-parenting.’ In a 2021 interview with ELLE, she explained that when she’s with Lea, she’s fully a mother, and when Lea is with her dad, he’s fully her father. She believes parenting is simply parenting, regardless of the parents’ relationship status.

Irina and Bradley ended their four-year relationship in 2019, but they’ve remained friendly. Despite their busy lives, they continue to take family vacations, spend time together in New York, and support each other.

In 2023, Irina told the magazine that Bradley is ‘the best father Lea and I could dream of,’ adding that their successful arrangement works because they both make it a priority.

Finding a comfortable co-parenting routine takes time, as Mariah Carey knows well. Fortunately, she and Nick Cannon, parents to twins Moroccan and Monroe, have found their groove. Cannon described their relationship as a successful co-parenting arrangement and a genuine friendship, acknowledging Carey’s positive influence on him and emphasizing their family connection. Carey herself seems pleased with the progress they’ve made since their divorce in 2014, ensuring both she and Nick spend quality time with their children and create positive experiences for them, understanding the challenges children face with divorced parents. Beyond Moroccan and Monroe, Nick Cannon is also father to Zion and Mixolydian, Zillion Heir and Beautiful Zeppelin (with Abby De La Rosa), Golden “Sagon,” Powerful Queen, and Rise Messiah (with Brittany Bell), Legendary Love (with Bre Tiesi), Onyx Ice (with LaNisha Cole), and Halo Marie, as well as the late Zen (with Alyssa Scott).

We can’t talk about amicable breakups without mentioning Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. The Oscar-winning actress and the Coldplay singer famously coined the term “consciously uncoupling” when they announced their separation in 2014.

Gwyneth explained on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2020 that prioritizing their children, Apple and Moses, was the key. “It’s harder than it looks,” she said. “Some days you really don’t want to be with the person you’re divorcing. But if you’re committed to family dinner, you do it. You take a deep breath, make eye contact, remember your agreement, smile, hug, make a joke, and recommit to building a new relationship.”

The Goop founder also emphasized that she and Martin will always remain a family. “That’s how it will be forever,” she said. “It’s not always perfect, we have good days and bad days, but we’re working towards unity and love, and what’s best for the kids. Just because you break up doesn’t mean you stop loving the qualities you once admired in that person.”

Following their divorce in 2022, Gisele BĂŒndchen and Tom Brady have been navigating the challenges of co-parenting. Gisele admitted in a 2024 interview with Robin Roberts that some days are harder than others, but her children, Benjamin and Vivian, are smart and adaptable. She focuses on controlling her own actions and allowing her kids to navigate their own boundaries. She believes it’s important that both she and Tom each spend quality time with their children, exposing them to different perspectives and enriching their lives. Tom echoed this sentiment, explaining that they are both committed to raising all of their children – including Jack, his son with Bridget Moynahan – with kindness, empathy, and strong values, even as parenting styles evolve.

Ben Affleck, having played a superhero himself, recognizes one in his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. He considers her a superhero mom, especially given how they co-parent their three children – Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Affleck, who announced his divorce from Garner in 2015 and finalized it in 2018, told TopMob News in 2016 that she’s an amazing mother and he feels lucky to be co-parenting with her, always prioritizing their children. Jennifer Lopez, who married Affleck in 2022 before filing for divorce in 2024, also acknowledged Garner’s skills as a co-parent, telling Vogue they work very well together.

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s breakup in 2021 received a lot of attention, but they’ve successfully continued to co-parent their daughter, Khai. Zayn shared in a 2023 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast that they have a strong relationship focused on what’s best for Khai, and things are going well. Gigi told The Sunday Times that the key to co-parenting is prioritizing your child’s happiness, as you’ll be interacting with your co-parent for a long time. She added that she’s very pleased Khai has the opportunity to spend time with both of her parents.

Khloe Kardashian is committed to co-parenting with her ex, Tristan Thompson, despite past difficulties. She admits it’s challenging to be friendly with someone who hurt her, especially when their children, True and Tatum Thompson, are involved.

Khloe explained that she had to learn to manage her emotions and avoid impulsive reactions, like posting regrettable things online. Ultimately, she prioritizes her children having a good relationship with their father.

She wants True and Tatum to have a strong bond with Tristan, who also has a son, Prince, with Jordan Craig, and another son, Theo, with Maralee Nichols. Khloe believes that if a father wants to be involved in his children’s lives, she shouldn’t stand in the way.

Although Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr separated in 2013, they continue to successfully co-parent their son, Flynn. Their blended family also includes Katy Perry, Orlando’s current partner, and Evan Spiegel, Miranda’s husband. Miranda has expressed her happiness for Orlando and Katy’s relationship, emphasizing that Flynn having happy parents is the priority. Despite busy schedules and growing families – Orlando and Katy now have a daughter named Daisy Dove, while Miranda and Evan have three sons, Hart, Myles, and Pierre – they all make an effort to come together. Miranda explained that they always find compromises and work together to ensure the best outcome for their entire family, with Flynn’s well-being always being the central focus.

Kate Hudson believes it’s important to maintain friendly relationships with her exes, Chris Robinson and Matt Bellamy, unlike letting a relationship completely fade. She explained to The Sunday Times in 2022 that she and Chris simply need to check in with each other occasionally, especially as they co-parent their son, Ryder.

She also praised Matt, father to her son Bingham, calling him a “wonderful” co-parent. Kate believes that love doesn’t simply disappear after a breakup, but can evolve into a different kind of connection. She enjoys being able to focus on the shared love for their child when spending time with her exes.

Kate is also a mother to daughter Rani, with fiancĂ© Danny Fujikawa. She feels her unconventional family structure – with three children from three different fathers – is actually very strong and fulfilling. While it might not look traditional, she feels they’ve created a thriving family unit.

It can be challenging for divorced parents to get along, but Anna Faris says her relationship with her ex-husband Chris Pratt, their son Jack, and Chris’s wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has improved. Faris told People magazine in 2022 that they are all becoming closer, and she really appreciates that. She feels both Chris and Katherine are protective of her, and she wants to be the same for them, valuing their support.

Anna even described Katherine as “awesome,” praising her for being incredibly organized and for her positive relationship with Jack.

Now married to Michael Barrett, Anna shared that things feel much more peaceful as time has passed. She’s happy with how the blended family is functioning and relieved that the difficult feelings from the past have faded.

Oh my gosh, I’m SO glad Mel B and Eddie Murphy are finally getting along for their daughter’s sake! It took them a while to reach that point, Mel said, but honestly, it’s amazing to hear they’re on the same page now. I’ve been following their story for years, and it’s just
everything a kid needs, you know? Seeing them prioritize their daughter together makes me so happy!

Mel B, of the Spice Girls, recently shared that past struggles with PTSD and controlling behavior made it difficult to build a strong relationship with Eddie Murphy. She explained to Us Weekly in May 2025 that she gradually worked on improving things. Despite those challenges, she says their friendship has actually gotten stronger in recent years. Their teenage daughter, Angel, spends time with Murphy, and they even take vacations together. Mel B praised Murphy as a dedicated father to his ten children.

Just because the TV show The O.C. was full of drama doesn’t mean Rachel Bilson and her ex, Hayden Christensen, have a difficult co-parenting relationship. In a 2024 interview with People, Bilson said, “Everything’s good.” She added that their daughter, Briar Rose, is thriving and has plenty of support from both sides.

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2026-05-16 22:18