History of Reese Witherspoon in Timeline

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Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer, recognized with an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She has been repeatedly named as one of the most influential people globally by Time magazine and one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes. Notably, she was the world's highest-earning actress in 2021 and is among the richest women in America with a net worth estimated at $440 million.

March 22, 1976: Reese Witherspoon Born

On March 22, 1976, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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1991: Screen Debut in 'The Man in the Moon'

In 1991, Reese Witherspoon made her screen debut in the film "The Man in the Moon", marking the beginning of her acting career.

1991: Cast in Lead Role in 'The Man in the Moon'

In 1991, Reese Witherspoon, originally intending to audition for a bit part, was cast in the lead role of Dani Trant in "The Man in the Moon".

1992: Appeared in 'Desperate Choices: To Save My Child'

In 1992, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the television film "Desperate Choices: To Save My Child", portraying a critically ill young girl.

1993: Return To Lonesome Dove

In 1993, Reese Witherspoon acted in Return to Lonesome Dove.

1993: Starred in 'Return to Lonesome Dove', 'A Far Off Place', and 'Jack the Bear'

In 1993, Reese Witherspoon played Nonnie Parker in the CBS miniseries "Return to Lonesome Dove", appeared in the Disney film "A Far Off Place", and had a minor role in "Jack the Bear".

1994: Leading Role in 'S.F.W.'

In 1994, Reese Witherspoon had a leading role as Wendy Pfister in the film "S.F.W.", directed by Jefery Levy.

1996: Starred in 'Freeway' and 'Fear'

In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in the films "Freeway" and "Fear", continuing to build her early career.

1996: Parents Separated

In 1996, Reese Witherspoon's parents separated, although they remained legally married.

March 1997: Meeting Ryan Phillippe

In March 1997, Reese Witherspoon met actor Ryan Phillippe at her 21st birthday party.

December 1998: Engagement to Ryan Phillippe

In December 1998, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe became engaged.

1998: Major Roles in 'Overnight Delivery', 'Pleasantville' and 'Twilight'

In 1998, Reese Witherspoon had major roles in three films: "Overnight Delivery", "Pleasantville", and "Twilight".

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June 5, 1999: Marriage to Ryan Phillippe

On June 5, 1999, Reese Witherspoon married Ryan Phillippe at Old Wide Awake Plantation in Hollywood, South Carolina.

September 9, 1999: Birth of Ava Elizabeth Phillippe

On September 9, 1999, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's daughter, Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, was born.

1999: Co-starred in 'Best Laid Plans', 'Cruel Intentions', and 'Election'

In 1999, Reese Witherspoon co-starred in the drama thriller "Best Laid Plans", played Lissa, in "Cruel Intentions", and appeared in "Election" opposite Matthew Broderick.

1999: Breakthrough Role in 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Election'

In 1999, Reese Witherspoon had her breakthrough with a supporting role in "Cruel Intentions" and her portrayal of Tracy Flick in the black comedy "Election."

1999: Release of Election

In 1999, the film Election, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim.

2000: Supporting Role in 'American Psycho' and Guest Appearance in 'Friends'

In 2000, Reese Witherspoon had a supporting role in "American Psycho" as Patrick Bateman's trophy girlfriend and made a guest appearance in the sixth season of "Friends" as Rachel Green's sister Jill.

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September 29, 2001: Hosting Saturday Night Live After 9/11

On September 29, 2001, Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live, the first episode to air after the September 11 attacks.

2001: Gained Recognition in 'Legally Blonde'

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon gained wider recognition for playing Elle Woods in the comedy "Legally Blonde".

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2001: Starred in 'Legally Blonde'

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon starred as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde", which marked a turning point in her career.

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2002: Starred in 'Sweet Home Alabama'

In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama", further solidifying her presence in the film industry.

2002: Starred in 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde'

In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the sequel, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde", where she reprised her role as Elle Woods.

2002: Featured in 'The Simpsons' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest', Starred in 'Sweet Home Alabama'

In 2002, Reese Witherspoon voiced Greta Wolfcastle in "The Simpsons", played Cecily in "The Importance of Being Earnest", and starred as Melanie Carmichael in "Sweet Home Alabama".

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October 23, 2003: Birth of Deacon Reese Phillippe

On October 23, 2003, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son, Deacon Reese Phillippe, was born.

2003: Starred in 'Legally Blonde' Sequel

In 2003, Reese Witherspoon starred in the sequel to "Legally Blonde", continuing her role as Elle Woods.

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2004: Starred in Vanity Fair

In 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Vanity Fair", a film adaptation directed by Mira Nair. She portrayed Becky Sharp, a determined woman seeking fortune and social status. Witherspoon's pregnancy was concealed during filming, and she believed it enhanced her portrayal of the character. The film and her performance garnered mixed reviews.

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2004: Starred in Just Like Heaven

In late 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Just Like Heaven" alongside Mark Ruffalo. She played Elizabeth Masterson, a doctor who ends up in a coma after a car accident and whose spirit finds love.

2005: Starred in Walk the Line

In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line". She performed her own vocals and won several awards for her acclaimed portrayal. She did not get a chance to meet June Carter Cash as she was filming Vanity Fair when the singer died.

2005: Teen People's List of Most Powerful Young Hollywood Actors

In 2005, Reese Witherspoon was ranked No. 5 in Teen People magazine's list of most powerful young Hollywood actors.

2005: Won Academy Award for 'Walk the Line'

In 2005, Reese Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the musical biopic "Walk the Line".

March 2006: Began filming Penelope

In March 2006, Reese Witherspoon began filming "Penelope", a film produced by her company Type A Films. In the movie, she played Annie, the best friend of the main character, Penelope.

October 2006: Split from her first husband

In October 2006, Reese Witherspoon split from her first husband. She attributed a career slump to this event, stating she spent a few years trying to feel better.

October 30, 2006: Separation Announcement

On October 30, 2006, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe announced their separation.

November 8, 2006: Filing for Divorce

On November 8, 2006, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Ryan Phillippe, citing irreconcilable differences.

2006: Support for Hurricane Katrina Victims

In 2006, Reese Witherspoon joined a group of actresses in New Orleans as part of a Children's Defense Fund project to publicize the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims and helped open the city's first Freedom School.

2006: Listed Among the Time 100

In 2006, Reese Witherspoon was listed among the Time 100, with her featured article written by Luke Wilson. Also selected as one of the "100 Sexiest Women In The World" by FHM readers.

2006: Named one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2006, Time magazine recognized Reese Witherspoon as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

March 2007: Beginning Relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal

In March 2007, Reese Witherspoon began dating her Rendition co-star Jake Gyllenhaal.

May 15, 2007: Phillippe Files for Joint Custody

On May 15, 2007, Ryan Phillippe filed for joint physical custody of their children and did not seek spousal support during the divorce proceedings with Reese Witherspoon.

October 5, 2007: Divorce Officially Ends

On October 5, 2007, the marriage between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe officially ended.

October 2007: Appeared in Rendition

In October 2007, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the thriller "Rendition", playing Isabella El-Ibrahim. The film received mixed reviews, and Witherspoon's performance was criticized. It was her first film appearance since 2005's Walk the Line.

2007: Forbes Magazine

In 2007, Forbes Magazine included Reese Witherspoon on the annual Celebrity 100 list.

2007: Global Ambassador for Avon Products

In 2007, Reese Witherspoon became the first Global Ambassador for cosmetics firm Avon Products, acting as a spokeswoman and honorary chair of the Avon Foundation.

2007: Best-Dressed Female Star and Highest-Paid Actress

In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was selected as one of the year's best-dressed female stars by People and Access Hollywood. She also became the highest-paid actress in the American film industry, earning $15 to $20 million per film.

February 2008: Penelope released after premiere

After premiering at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie "Penelope", produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, remained unreleased until February 2008.

June 13, 2008: Final Divorce Arrangements Settled

On June 13, 2008, final divorce arrangements between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were settled according to court documents, with the couple sharing joint custody of their children.

2008: Starred in Four Christmases

In 2008, Reese Witherspoon starred with Vince Vaughn in the comedy "Four Christmases". Despite negative reviews, the film was a box office success.

2009: Filmed How Do You Know

During the summer and fall of 2009, Reese Witherspoon filmed "How Do You Know" in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. She played a former national softball player.

2009: Release of Monsters vs. Aliens

In 2009, Monsters vs. Aliens, featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released as a high-grossing film.

2009: Split with Jake Gyllenhaal

In 2009, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal split up because their relationship did not leave Witherspoon enough time to care for her children.

2009: Voiced Susan Murphy in Monsters vs. Aliens

In 2009, Reese Witherspoon voiced Susan Murphy in the animated film "Monsters vs. Aliens". She also co-produced the "Legally Blonde" spin-off "Legally Blondes".

February 2010: Dating Jim Toth

In February 2010, Reese Witherspoon was reported to be dating Jim Toth, a talent agent.

March 2010: Began Circus Training for Water for Elephants

In March 2010, Reese Witherspoon began circus training for her role as Marlena in "Water for Elephants".

Water for Elephants: A Novel
Water for Elephants: A Novel

August 2010: Began Principal Photography for Water for Elephants

Between May and early August 2010, principal photography began for Reese Witherspoon's movie Water for Elephants. It was filmed in various locations in Tennessee, Georgia and California.

Water for Elephants: A Novel
Water for Elephants: A Novel

September 2010: Began Production on This Means War

In September 2010, Reese Witherspoon began production in Vancouver on "This Means War".

December 2010: Reviews for How Do You Know

By December 2010, the film How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, had received mainly unfavorable reviews. It received a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

December 17, 2010: How Do You Know released

On December 17, 2010, "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. The film was critically and commercially unsuccessful.

2010: One of Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actresses

Between 2002 and 2010, Reese Witherspoon was consistently one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.

2010: Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

March 26, 2011: Marriage to Jim Toth

On March 26, 2011, Reese Witherspoon married Jim Toth in Ojai, California.

April 2011: People's Most Beautiful Issue

In April 2011, Reese Witherspoon ranked No. 3 on the 22nd annual People's Most Beautiful issue.

April 22, 2011: Water for Elephants released

On April 22, 2011, the movie "Water for Elephants", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and received mixed critical reviews.

Water for Elephants: A Novel
Water for Elephants: A Novel

September 2011: Filmed role in Mud

In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon filmed a small role in Jeff Nichols's drama "Mud" in Arkansas. She played Juniper, the former girlfriend of a fugitive.

2011: Acted in romances

In 2011, Reese Witherspoon acted in three romances with women caught in love triangles between two men.

2011: Starred in 'Water for Elephants'

In 2011, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic drama "Water for Elephants", which was her sole box-office success during a career downturn.

February 17, 2012: This Means War released

On February 17, 2012, the movie "This Means War", starring Reese Witherspoon, fully opened in theaters after a "sneak-peek" release on Valentine's Day. The film was panned by critics.

March 2012: Merger to Form Pacific Standard

In March 2012, Type A Films, owned by Reese Witherspoon, merged with Bruna Papandrea's Make Movies banner to create a new production company called Pacific Standard.

May 2012: Mud Premiered at Cannes Film Festival

In May 2012, "Mud", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in competition for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, but did not win.

July 2012: Filming Devil's Knot

In June and July 2012, Reese Witherspoon filmed Devil's Knot in Georgia. She was pregnant with her third child during filming.

September 27, 2012: Birth of Tennessee James Toth

On September 27, 2012, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth's son, Tennessee James Toth, was born.

2012: Acted in romances

In 2012, Reese Witherspoon acted in three romances with women caught in love triangles between two men.

2012: Founded Production Company Pacific Standard

In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded the production company Pacific Standard, later part of Hello Sunshine, to produce projects with strong female lead characters.

2012: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood

In 2012, Reese Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.

2012: Father retired as otolaryngologist

In 2012, Reese Witherspoon's father, John Draper Witherspoon, retired from his private practice as an otolaryngologist.

January 19, 2013: Mud Debuted at Sundance Film Festival

On January 19, 2013, Reese Witherspoon's film, Mud, made its American debut at the Sundance Film Festival.

April 19, 2013: Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

On April 19, 2013, Reese Witherspoon was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after Jim Toth was stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence.

April 26, 2013: Mud Released in Theaters

On April 26, 2013, Reese Witherspoon's film Mud had a limited release in selected North American theaters.

June 2013: Lawsuit over Jewelry Advertising

In June 2013, Reese Witherspoon filed a lawsuit against Marketing Advantages International Inc. for using her name and image in jewelry advertising without permission.

2013: Recording of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé

In 2013, Reese Witherspoon recorded a cover of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé for his album "To Be Loved".

2013: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood

In 2013, Reese Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.

2013: Release of Mud

In 2013, the film Mud, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and well-received.

2013: Devil's Knot premiered at Toronto International Film Festival

In 2013, the movie Devil's Knot, starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

May 9, 2014: Devil's Knot released in theaters

On May 9, 2014, Reese Witherspoon's movie, Devil's Knot, was released in selected American theaters.

May 2014: Started production on Hot Pursuit

In May 2014, Reese Witherspoon began production in Louisiana on Hot Pursuit. She played a police officer trying to protect a drug lord's widow.

October 3, 2014: The Good Lie released

On October 3, 2014, Reese Witherspoon's movie The Good Lie was released.

December 2014: Wild released to critical acclaim

In December 2014, "Wild", produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim. She portrayed Cheryl Strayed in the biographical adventure.

Gone Girl: A Novel
Gone Girl: A Novel

December 2014: Interview reflecting on career

In a December 2014 interview, Reese Witherspoon reflected on her career, stating that after her split from her first husband in 2006, she spent a few years trying to feel better and wasn't making things she was passionate about.

2014: Produced and Starred in 'Wild'

In 2014, Reese Witherspoon made a comeback by producing and starring as Cheryl Strayed in the drama "Wild", which earned her a second Academy Award nomination.

2014: Produced 'Gone Girl'

In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Gone Girl", showcasing her work behind the scenes.

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2014: Release of Wild

In 2014, the film Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.

May 8, 2015: Hot Pursuit released

On May 8, 2015, the movie Hot Pursuit, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.

May 2015: Launch of Draper James

In May 2015, Reese Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor inspired by the American South, named after her grandparents.

December 2015: Rejection of Trademark Claims

In December 2015, Reese Witherspoon's trademark claims to her name were rejected in her lawsuit against Marketing Advantages International Inc., but she was allowed to proceed with her right of publicity claims. Two months later, she withdrew the lawsuit.

2015: American Cinematheque Award

In 2015, Reese Witherspoon received the American Cinematheque Award for being "a perfect example of an actress flourishing in today's world".

2015: Named one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2015, Time magazine again recognized Reese Witherspoon as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, marking her second appearance on the list.

2016: Witherspoon Gains Control of Pacific Standard

In 2016, Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea parted ways, and Witherspoon gained full control of Pacific Standard, which became a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.

2016: Voice role in animated musical comedy film Sing

In 2016, Reese Witherspoon voiced a role in the animated musical comedy film "Sing", which became her biggest commercial success, making over $200 million domestically and $600 million worldwide. That same year she began filming the miniseries "Big Little Lies".

2016: Release of Sing

In 2016, the animated film Sing, featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released.

February 19, 2017: Big Little Lies Premiere

On February 19, 2017, the miniseries "Big Little Lies," co-produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on HBO.

March 2017: Chief Storyteller for Elizabeth Arden

In March 2017, Reese Witherspoon became the chief storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc., to help shape the brand's narrative.

September 8, 2017: Release of "Home Again"

On September 8, 2017, the romantic comedy "Home Again," starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It marked the directorial debut of Hallie Meyers-Shyer.

October 2017: Witherspoon reveals she was sexually assaulted at age 16

In October 2017, Reese Witherspoon revealed that she had been sexually assaulted at age 16 by a director and had "multiple experiences of harassment and sexual assault" throughout her career.

December 2017: "Big Little Lies" Renewed for Second Season

In December 2017, HBO renewed "Big Little Lies," the miniseries co-produced and starring Reese Witherspoon, for a second season.

2017: Novel by Celeste Ng

In 2017 Celeste Ng's novel was published, and later adapted into "Little Fires Everywhere", which Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in.

2017: Highest-Paid Primetime Emmy Nominee

In 2017, Forbes reported Reese Witherspoon's career earnings were in excess of $198 million, making her the highest-paid primetime Emmy nominee.

2017: Produced and Starred in 'Big Little Lies'

In 2017, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the HBO drama series "Big Little Lies", a female-led literary adaptation under her company Hello Sunshine.

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2017: Launch of Reese's Book Club

In 2017, Reese Witherspoon started Reese's Book Club, which originated from her Instagram account.

March 2018: Release of "A Wrinkle in Time"

In March 2018, "A Wrinkle in Time", a film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.

September 2018: Publication of "Whiskey in a Teacup"

In September 2018, Reese Witherspoon published her first book, "Whiskey in a Teacup", a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing.

September 2018: Reese's Book Club Picked Where the Crawdads Sing

In September 2018, Reese's Book Club picked "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, which was later adapted into a film by Hello Sunshine in 2022.

Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club
Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club

June 2019: Premiere of "Big Little Lies" Season 2

In June 2019, the second season of "Big Little Lies", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on HBO.

November 2019: Premiere of "The Morning Show" Season 1

In November 2019, the first season of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon alongside Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, premiered on Apple TV+.

December 2019: Premiere of "Truth Be Told" on Apple TV+

In December 2019, "Truth Be Told", an Apple TV+ series for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, premiered.

2019: World's 100 Most Powerful Women

In 2019, Forbes listed Reese Witherspoon among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.

2019: Listed among Forbes' world's 100 most powerful women

In 2019, Forbes listed Reese Witherspoon among the world's 100 most powerful women.

2019: Produced and Starred in 'The Morning Show'

In 2019, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show", continuing her work in female-led literary adaptations.

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March 2020: "Truth Be Told" Renewed for Season 2

In March 2020, "Truth Be Told", the Apple TV+ series for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, was renewed for a second season.

October 19, 2020: Production Restart of "The Morning Show" Season 2

On October 19, 2020, production on season two of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon, restarted after a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Production and Starring role in "Little Fires Everywhere"

In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu drama miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere", which is the televised adaptation of Celeste Ng's 2017 novel. In the same year, Witherspoon narrated the Quibi nature documentary series "Fierce Queens."

2020: Produced and Starred in 'Little Fires Everywhere'

In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere", adding to her portfolio of female-led literary adaptations.

2020: "Draper James Loves Teachers" Initiative

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reese Witherspoon announced the "Draper James Loves Teachers" initiative, offering free dresses from her clothing collection to teachers.

September 2021: Premiere of "The Morning Show" Season 2 on Apple TV

In September 2021, season two of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV+ after production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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2021: Named world's highest earning actress and one of Forbes' world's 100 most powerful women

In 2021, Reese Witherspoon was named the world's highest-earning actress by Forbes and was also listed among Forbes' world's 100 most powerful women.

2022: Adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing" into a Feature Film

In 2022, "Where the Crawdads Sing" was adapted into a feature film by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine, based on the book that was a Reese's Book Club pick in September 2018.

2022: Produced 'Where the Crawdads Sing'

In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing", further establishing her role as a producer.

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March 2023: Divorce Announcement

In March 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage, releasing a joint statement.

April 2023: Filing for Divorce

In April 2023, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Jim Toth, citing "irreconcilable differences" and asking for joint custody of their son Tennessee.

August 3, 2023: Divorce Finalized

On August 3, 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth's divorce was finalized.

2023: Executive Producer of "My Kind of Country" and Starred in "Your Place or Mine"

In 2023, Reese Witherspoon executive produced "My Kind of Country" with Kacey Musgraves and starred in the romantic comedy "Your Place or Mine" released on Netflix.

2023: Produced 'Daisy Jones & the Six'

In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation of "Daisy Jones & the Six", continuing her focus on literary adaptations.

2023: Named one of the richest women in America

In 2023, Reese Witherspoon was recognized as one of the richest women in America, with an estimated net worth of $440 million.

2025: Starring Role in "You're Cordially Invited"

In 2025, Reese Witherspoon is set to star in and produce the romantic comedy "You're Cordially Invited" for Amazon Prime Video.