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Diane Keaton was a Hollywood legend known for her incredible acting and fashion sense. Her recent passing – at 79 years old – seems to have come too soon. Well-known for her many iconic roles – Keaton is being mourned by everyone in the entertainment industry and millions of adoring fans across the country. While the public know her as an Academy Award-winning star, she played another important role in life: Mom. This is the Diane Keaton adoption story you may not know.
Diane Keaton Hall was born on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles. She began her acting career as many thespians do – on stage. She starred in the original Broadway production of “Hair,” and went on to work with Woody Allen, with whom she would earn a Tony nomination, and eventually star in one of her most iconic roles as “Annie Hall.” This film earned her an Oscar and is believed to be loosely based on her, as her nickname was Annie and her surname was Hall. The 1970s also saw Keaton play Kate in “The Godfather” – one of the most classic and celebrated films in American history. After more than five decades of acting, Keaton earned an Oscar, 2 Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and many more accolades for her roles in some of the most beloved films of all time.
The most meaningful – and perhaps surprising – role of her life was that of mom. Diane Keaton decided to become a mother later in life, raising her two adopted children in her 50s.
“I’ve had such an unusual life. Obviously career-oriented. I was happy to be a daughter well into my 40s. That was something that meant a lot to me,” she told Ladies’ Home Journal in 2008. “I didn’t think that I was ever going to be prepared to be a mother.”
“Motherhood was not an urge I couldn’t resist,” she added, “it was more like a thought I’d been thinking for a very long time. So, I plunged in.”
In the same interview, Keaton explained that she initially wanted to be in a “strong and substantive” relationship before becoming a parent, explaining that “never happened for me, and that prolonged my indecisiveness.”
She also explained that indecisiveness with Interview Magazine, sharing that her own mother’s life played a role: “I feel like she chose family over her dreams. And she was just the best mother, but I think that she is the reason why I didn’t get married. I didn’t want to give up my independence.”
The “First Wive’s Club” star valued her children’s privacy and has mostly kept them out of the spotlight over the years.
“They have no interest in what I do, which I think is very healthy. We live a relatively normal
— well, sort of normal — life,” she told PEOPLE in 2007.
Here is what we do know about Diane Keaton’s adopted children.
Dexter Keaton
Diane Keaton’s daughter, Dexter, was born December 15, 1995, and officially adopted shortly after.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Dexter holds an associate degree in veterinary technology from Carrington College California-Pomona.
She married Jordan White on June 12, 2021. She shared several photos from the wedding on Instagram, including a shot of the bride and groom with her mom and brother.
Dexter and her “Father of the Bride” star mom had a very close relationship. She has been quoted by PEOPLE as stating:
“My mom and I have always loved going on adventures together. From strolls on the beach to walking around a new neighborhood. I love spending time with my mom.”
In a social media post for Mother’s Day 2014, Dexter wrote a sweet message to her mom:
Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing momma! I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman. I couldn’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. I love you!”
Duke Keaton
Dexter’s little brother, Duke, was born on February 8, 2000. He became a part of the Keaton family in 2001.
In 2005, Diane Keaton opened up about motherhood with Life Magazine, sharing:
“The shocking thing is that I worry differently now. Before kids, if I worried, it was only about myself, but that’s all you do is worry as a parent. It’s rule number one in parenting: secretly worry without letting the kids know you’re worried.”
While Duke has mostly been out of the spotlight, much like his sister, there have been a few sweet photos shared of him on Instagram. The actor shared a montage of childhood photos of Duke for his birthday in February 2022.
Duke could be following in his mother’s footsteps, taking up a creative career. The 25-year-old has been promoting his music on social media, with images of him in a recording studio.
Diane and her son shared a love of music. Last year, Diane Keaton released her first album – a holiday album.
More Celebrity Adoption Stories
Many other celebrities have opened up about adopting children over the years, such as Kristin Davis and Jamie Lee Curtis. There are others who have been open about being adopted as children, such as Rob Refsnyder and the late, great Steve Jobs. Their stories may inspire you. Rod Stewart has publicly spoken about his daughter, who was placed for adoption. Whether you are looking to adopt or thinking about placing your child for adoption, Adoptions With Love can help. We can offer you the support and guidance you need. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.