Reese Witherspoon and Ex Ryan Phillippe Reunite to Celebrate Son Deacon's College Graduation in New York City
New York City, USA
What Happened?
Reese Witherspoon and her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe set aside their past on May 15, 2026, to celebrate a shared milestone — their son Deacon Phillippe's graduation from New York University in New York City. The former Hollywood power couple were joined by daughter Ava Phillippe and Reese's youngest son, Tennessee Toth, making it a full family affair. Here is everything Swagsy knows about this heartwarming reunion.
Sometimes the best thing two people can do after a relationship ends is show up — together — for their children. On May 15, 2026, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe did exactly that. The former Hollywood power couple, who divorced in 2008 after seven years of marriage, put every tabloid narrative aside to stand side by side at New York University as their son, Deacon Phillippe, walked across the graduation stage.
It was a quiet, powerful statement. No drama. No distance. Just two parents — who happen to be two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces — choosing their child over their history. The images from the ceremony instantly went viral, with fans flooding social media to praise the pair for modeling what healthy co-parenting truly looks like.
Inside the NYU Graduation — Who Was There
The NYU Class of 2026 graduation was a star-studded event in its own right. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were joined at the ceremony by their daughter Ava Phillippe and Reese’s youngest son with ex-husband Jim Toth, Tennessee Toth. The entire family presented a unified, warm front — a testament to the deliberately amicable co-parenting dynamic both Reese and Ryan have prioritized throughout the years.
The couple were not the only celebrity parents celebrating at NYU that day. Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell were also spotted at the ceremony, cheering on Hudson’s son Ryder Robinson from her relationship with The Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson.
Who Is Deacon Phillippe?
Deacon Phillippe, born on October 23, 2003, is the second child of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe. Now 22 years old, Deacon has grown up largely away from the spotlight despite his famous parents. He has shown a passion for music and has previously released original tracks on streaming platforms, carving out a creative identity entirely his own.
The Context: Reese and Ryan's Co-Parenting Story
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe married in June 1999, just two years after starring together in the iconic film Cruel Intentions. They welcomed daughter Ava in September 1999, followed by son Deacon in October 2003. The couple announced their separation in October 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2008.
In the years that followed, both rebuilt their lives publicly. Reese married talent agent Jim Toth in 2011, welcomed son Tennessee in 2012, and announced their own divorce in 2023. Ryan went on to several high-profile relationships. Through all of it, they maintained a steady, functional commitment to raising their children together — rarely publicly visible, but consistently praised by those close to the family.
A Blueprint for Modern Co-Parenting
The NYU graduation reunion is not an isolated moment. Over the years, Witherspoon and Phillippe have attended birthdays, school events, and milestone celebrations together without incident. In an industry where bitter divorces are the norm and custody battles make headlines, their quiet consistency is genuinely remarkable.
The Swagsy Take
What This Reunion Really Means
This is not a story about two exes. This is a story about two parents who decided, years ago, that their children would never be collateral damage in their breakup. And on a sunny day in New York City in May 2026, that decision paid off in the most visible, joyful way possible.
Deacon Phillippe graduated from NYU with his mother, his father, his sister, and his half-brother all in the crowd cheering for him. That is not a given in Hollywood. That is the result of years of deliberate, unglamorous, private effort by two adults who chose to behave better than the tabloids expected.
Reese Witherspoon has built an empire — Hello Sunshine, her production company, has produced some of the most celebrated prestige television of the last decade. Ryan Phillippe has remained a consistent presence in both film and television. Yet on this day, neither of them was a star. They were just Deacon’s parents. And that, honestly, is the most impressive thing either of them has ever done.
Quick Facts: Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe and Deacon
- Full Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
- Date of Birth: March 22, 1976 — Age:
- Known For: Legally Blonde, Walk the Line (Academy Award winner), Big Little Lies
- Net Worth: Estimated at $400 million as of
- Company: Hello Sunshine, her media production company
- Full Name: Matthew Ryan Phillippe
- Date of Birth: September 10, 1974 — Age:
- Known For: Cruel Intentions, Gosford Park, Shooter
- Net Worth: Estimated at $30 million as of
- Date of Birth: October 23, 2003 — Age:
- University: New York University (NYU), Class of 2026
- Career: Emerging musician with original tracks on streaming platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe reunite?
Yes. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe reunited on May 15, 2026, to celebrate their son Deacon Phillippe's graduation from New York University in New York City. They attended alongside daughter Ava Phillippe and Reese's son Tennessee Toth.
Where did Deacon Phillippe graduate from?
Deacon Phillippe graduated from New York University (NYU) in May 2026 as part of the Class of 2026.
How old is Deacon Phillippe?
Deacon Phillippe was born on October 23, 2003, making him 22 years old at the time of his NYU graduation in May 2026.
When did Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe divorce?
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe announced their separation in October 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2008, after seven years of marriage.
What is Reese Witherspoon's net worth?
Reese Witherspoon has an estimated net worth of approximately $400 million, built through her acting career, her Hello Sunshine production company, and various business ventures.
How many kids do Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have together?
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have two children together: daughter Ava Phillippe (born 1999) and son Deacon Phillippe (born 2003).
Who else attended the NYU graduation with Reese Witherspoon?
Reese Witherspoon attended NYU's graduation ceremony alongside Ryan Phillippe, daughter Ava Phillippe, and her youngest son Tennessee Toth. Other celebrities present included Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and Kurt Russell, celebrating Kate Hudson's son Ryder Robinson.