Reese Witherspoon Says She ‘Grieved’ When Her Kids Deacon and Ava Left for College: ‘I Cried in Their Rooms’

Reese Witherspoon Shares Emotional Journey as Her Kids Leave for College

Veteran actress Reese Witherspoon recently delved into her emotional experience when her two eldest children left the family nest to head off to college. With her daughter Ava Phillippe, 26, and son Deacon Phillippe, 21, embarking on this new phase of life, Witherspoon confessed that bidding them farewell was a tear-filled process.

During an episode of The Interview podcast, Witherspoon candidly expressed, “I grieved their going to college and I cried in their rooms.” She narrated a poignant moment when one of her children didn’t return home for Christmas one year, leading her to sit in their room and let her emotions flow.

As a mother dedicated to caring for her children, Witherspoon revealed the complexities of letting go, stating, “It’s a loss because you do everything for them. You take the food out of your mouth, the coat off your back. You don’t sleep.” Her heartfelt words underline the challenges and emotional toll that come with watching children grow up and move on to pursue their dreams.

Despite the heartache of seeing her children venture out into the world, Witherspoon acknowledged that it marks a fundamental part of parenthood. She shared, “You just have every worry the parents have, you know? And then one day, it’s kind of like, if you’ve done your job, you did the right things, they go.”

Witherspoon’s parenting journey has taken a new turn with her youngest son, Tennessee. Reflecting on her experiences, she joked about turning to Tennessee when feeling worn out by her older children’s demands, highlighting the dynamic relationships she has fostered with each of her kids over the years.

The actress’s pride in her children’s accomplishments shines through as she celebrates their growth and independence. With Ava pursuing her studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and Deacon diving into college life at New York University, Witherspoon’s joy at their success is evident as she watches them thrive in their respective paths.

Looking towards the future, Witherspoon shared that her relationship with her older children has evolved into a friendship dynamic. She highlighted the joy of connecting with Ava and Deacon on a different level, where they share experiences and stories as peers, portraying a harmonious and supportive bond between them.

Through her honest and heartfelt reflections on motherhood and the bittersweet moments of watching her children transition into adulthood, Reese Witherspoon’s experiences resonate with parents navigating similar stages of life. As she continues to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, Witherspoon’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring love and support that defines the parent-child relationship.