Reese Witherspoon Honors Diane Keaton After Her Passing at 79

Reese Witherspoon teared up as she paid tribute to her ‘mentor’ Diane Keaton on stage.

The legendary actress passed away on Saturday at the age of 79 after health reportedly took a sharp turn in recent months, with even her closest friends unaware.

Reese, who was directed by Diane in Wildflower (1991) at the age of 15, paid tribute to The father of the bride star during a panel at her Hello Sunshine expo.

The Legally Blonde actress, 49, said Diane ‘changed the way we all saw women on screen – smart, funny, stylish, and completely original’ and shared her gratitude at having her as a mentor at such a young age. 

Speaking on stage, Reese said: ‘I’m going to try and get through this without tearing up, but, I don’t know if you guys heard that Diane Keaton passed today. 

‘Diane was really important. She was one of my first mentors in this business. I was 15 years old and I was from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anybody.

‘And I came in, it was my second maybe third movie audition ever and I came in with this big country accent and I was playing this little southern girl and she goes “Who are you?” And I said “I’m Reese Witherspoon and I’m from Nashville, Tennessee”. 

‘And she said “Are you making that up? That accent that you’re doing”. And I said “No ma’am I’m from Nashville, Tennessee, and I’m here. And I’d love to be in your movie”. And she was like “Well, you’re hired. You’re hired today, tomorrow and the next day. I don’t know who you are but I am so excited to have you”.’

Reese continued: ‘She is just incredible and indelible and just a truly original person. So for Diane, watch one of her movies. 

‘And wear like a really cool, interesting outfit. Black and white. Take a picture and just live your dream. 

‘Just be your unique, interesting self. I think Diane would be really happy.’

The Father of the Bride star Diane had two adopted children in her 50s, daughter Dexter and son Duke, whom she raised as a single mother. She never married.

Diane had put her ‘dream home’ on the market as her health took a sudden turn prior to her shock death.

While she was privately going through a health battle, she had listed her beloved property in Los Angeles for sale in March. 

Many people close to her were reportedly surprised as she had talked about living there permanently, according to the outlet. 

The actress had written a book about her beloved home titled The House that Pinterest Built.

After purchasing the home, she started a nearly decade-long project to renovate the house to her taste and preference. 

The extensive eight-year renovation was completed and she only moved in back in 2017. 

However, earlier this year, she put the property on the market and listed her bespoke five-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion for $29 million. 

In the book she wrote about her home, she revealed that the inspiration to purchase that particular property was the famous children’s fable, The Three Little Pigs. 

She recalled her mother reading her the story when she was young and decided she wanted to live in the third pig’s indestructible home, which was ‘made of bricks.’ 

She wrote in her book: ‘I knew I was going to live in a brick house when I grew up.’ 

After the devastating news of her shocking death, a friend of the actress revealed she had been quietly facing a progressive health battle in secrecy.  

‘She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,’ a friend of the actress told People.

‘It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.’ 

The source said that ‘in her final months,’ the star was ‘surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. 

‘Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening,’ they shared.