AceShowbiz - Reese Witherspoon and her ex-husband, Ryan Phillippe, reunited for a joyful occasion on May 15 as they celebrated their son Deacon Phillippe's graduation from New York University. The former couple, who share two children, came together to support their 21-year-old son at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Reese Witherspoon looked radiant in a navy blue dress paired with a white blazer and matching heels as she proudly captured moments of Deacon dressed in his purple graduation robe accented with a golden academic stole. Standing nearby, Ryan Phillippe wore a crisp white button-down shirt with black trousers and sneakers, equally enthusiastic as he took photos with his phone.

The graduation marked an important milestone for the family nearly two decades after Reese Witherspoon and Ryan ended their marriage in 2006. Despite their separation, the duo has maintained a strong co-parenting relationship, focusing on supporting their children’s ambitions and achievements.

Alongside Deacon, the pair also share 26-year-old daughter Ava Phillippe. Both parents posed for photos with their son, while Reese's other ex-husband, Jim Toth, and their son, Tennessee Toth, 13, were nearby, sharing in the family celebration.

Reflecting on their parenting approach, Ryan Phillippe spoke with E! News earlier in the year about their children’s character and drive. He described their kids as having an “incredible sense of self,” being “conscientious,” and “academically driven.” This deep respect for their children’s choices helps the former couple remain supportive and present.

The Cruel Intentions actor also revealed that he and Reese serve as “sounding boards” for their children as they navigate careers in entertainment. Ryan, who is also father to daughter Kai Knapp, 14, with ex Alexis Knapp, emphasized the value of sharing personal experiences with their children to guide them effectively.

He expressed pride in his children exploring diverse paths, noting that Ava has followed his footsteps into acting, while Deacon pursues music. “My son feels like my best friend,” Ryan added. “Yes, I’m still a father and he regards me as such, but we also have so many similar interests in music and comedy, and we share all of those things.”

Reese Witherspoon also champions the importance of allowing children to find their own way. During a 2023 appearance on Good Inside with Dr. Becky, she stated, “As parents, it’s our job not to make them conform to who we want them to be. It’s our job to figure out who they are and help them play to their strengths.”

She further emphasized that learning from failure is a critical part of growth. “Learning from failure is actually a valuable tool that you can’t take away from kids,” she said. “You rob them if you don’t let them sit in the discomfort of the experience.”

For example, Grammy winner Ricky Martin and Swedish-Syrian artist Jwan Yosef, who share children Lucia and Renn, maintain a “solid and calm co-parenting situation,” according to Yosef in a 2025 interview. They live close to each other and communicate regularly, ensuring their children’s needs come first.

Similarly, Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, who share three sons, Noah, Bodhi, and Journey, have developed a co-parenting philosophy centered on the children’s experience. Brian told E! News in April 2024 that the primary rule is to focus on how the breakup affects their kids and to “pick your battles.” He highlighted the importance of separating personal conflicts from parenting responsibilities, saying co-parenting is “a totally different situation.”

Megan Fox echoed these sentiments on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023, stressing the importance of never disparaging the other parent around their children. She explained that rejecting their father would be equivalent to rejecting a part of their children’s identity.

Other celebrity co-parents like Josh Duhamel and Fergie also demonstrate positive relationships post-divorce. Josh praised Fergie for her kindness and acceptance of his wife Audra Mari, noting that their blended family continues to thrive. Their civil co-parenting situation allowed them to welcome their new child, Shepherd, in January 2024, alongside their son Axl.

Returning to the celebration at New York University, the gathering of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe showcased their commitment to prioritizing their children’s achievements above all else. Their ability to come together for Deacon’s milestone underscores the evolving nature of co-parenting in modern families.

As the entertainment industry continues to highlight the importance of amicable co-parenting, the example set by Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe reflects a mature and supportive approach to raising children post-divorce. Their shared presence at Deacon Phillippe's graduation ceremony is a testament to putting children’s successes and happiness first, regardless of past relationship challenges.

With Deacon embarking on his career in music and Ava continuing in acting, the family’s united front offers a strong foundation for their future endeavors. The mutual respect and cooperation between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe serve as a model for healthy co-parenting in the public eye.