Reese Witherspoon beamed with pride as she congratulated her niece on her high school graduation over the weekend.
The 48-year-old Oscar winner — who recently announced a Legally Blonde spin-off series — took to her Instagram on Monday to share an adorable photo carousal from Abby James Witherspoon’s milestone celebration.
In one pic, the star, adorned in a charming floral dress, draped her arm around Abby James, who proudly displayed her diploma.
She also posted snapshots of Abby James alongside her sister, Draper. The stunning siblings are the daughters of Reese’s elder brother, John Witherspoon.
‘Tears of joy for my incredible niece @abbyjameswitherspoon!’ Reese began in the caption. ‘Congratulations on all the hard work, long hours of studying , the endless hours of test taking and essay writing … and biggest congrats on being the joyful, kind- hearted, energetic, funny girl we are all so proud of ! Such a proud aunt.’
Reese Witherspoon beamed with pride as she congratulated her niece Abby James Witherspoon on her high school graduation over the weekend
The 48-year-old Oscar winner took to her Instagram on Monday to share an adorable photo carousal from Abby James Witherspoon’s milestone celebration
Abby James will be heading off to Loyola Marymount University in the fall, according to her Instagram, despite her burgeoning Hollywood career taking off.
The rising star has already secured roles in Boys of Summer (2024) and Secret Headquarters (2022).
Meanwhile, Reese’s sweet shout-out comes after her ex Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of the former It couple on his Instagram Stories.
‘We were hot and drenched in late 90’s angst @reesewitherspoon. (such a cooler time than today),’ the Cruel Intentions actor captioned the image.
In the photo, the stars have their arms wrapped around each other, with Reese sporting a chin-length bob haircut, contrasting with Ryan’s mohawk style.
The former couple first crossed paths at the Morning Show star’s 21st birthday bash in 1997.
Just two years later, they shared the screen in Cruel Intentions alongside Selma Blair, and their on-screen chemistry led to marriage.
Their union lasted nine years, during which they welcomed two children: daughter Ava, now 24, and son Deacon, 20.
‘Tears of joy for my incredible niece @abbyjameswitherspoon!’ Reese began in the caption
Abby James will be heading off to Loyola Marymount University in the fall, according to her Instagram , despite her burgeoning Hollywood career taking off
She also posted snapshots of Abby James alongside her sister, Draper
Abby James and Drap are the daughters of Reese’s elder brother, John Witherspoon (pictured)
Phillippe and Witherspoon announced their separation in October 2006, issuing a joint statement at the time.
‘We are saddened to announce that Reese and Ryan have decided to formally separate,’ a rep for the couple said.
‘They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time.’
Witherspoon later married Jim Toth and together they welcomed their son Tennessee, now 11. However, the couple announced their split in March 2023.
As for the “Prey” actor, he never remarried, but he shares a daughter, Kai, now 12, with his former girlfriend Alexis Knapp.
Recently, fans have been advocating for the former couple’s daughter Ava to portray a young Elle Woods in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series for Amazon Prime.
Reese’s sweet shout-out comes after her ex Ryan Phillippe shared a throwback photo of the former It couple on his Instagram Stories.
The actors were wed for nine years and welcomed two children, daughter Ava, 24 and son Deacon, pictured in 2006
The prequel, titled Elle, will feature the character’s origin story as the protagonist navigates her way through high school before becoming a Harvard Law student.
After the news emerged, social media users called on Ava to be cast in the role of young Elle, whose character made the ‘bend and snap’ famous.
Following the announcement, fans of the movie took to social media and begged Reese to include her daughter in the cast.
One person said: ‘If her daughter doesn’t play her, we are going to be very upset.”Is Ava playing Elle?’ another user questioned.
