Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson celebrate kids' graduation milestones

"I'm so proud of you."

May 16, 2026, 12:32 PM

Celebrity parents are celebrating graduation season as several famous kids officially receive their diplomas and mark major milestones in 2026.

From New York University commencement ceremonies to emotional social media tributes, stars including Reese Witherspoon, Christy Turlington and Kate Hudson are sharing proud moments as their children graduate.

Reese Witherspoon and her ex-husband, Ryan Phillippe reunited to support their son, Deacon Phillippe, as he graduated from New York University.

Witherspoon marked the occasion on Instagram, sharing a carousel of family photos from graduation day. In the caption, she praised her son for his years of hard work, writing, "After 4years of hard work, long days, endless papers &classes, working with the greatest teachers and making new friends.. my wonderful son graduated from @nyutisch ! I'm so proud of you @deaconphillippe 💜🎓."

Reese Witherspoon posted a photo on her Instagram feed showing her son Deacon Phillippe in his graduation gown.
Reese Witherspoon/Instagram

The actress also shared a photo to her Instagram Stories of Oscar-winning actress Laura Dern, noting that Dern served as the ceremony’s honored speaker.

Christy Turlington and husband Ed Burns also celebrated a major family milestone after their daughter Grace Burns graduated from New York University.

Turlington shared a photo with her daughter on Instagram alongside a lengthy caption reflecting on the moment.

“What a week - and what a milestone,” she wrote. “As a mother and as a parent, this moment feels profound. So many hopes and dreams for my firstborn are unfolding far sooner than I ever imagined.”

She continued by referencing the saying, “educate a girl and you educate a nation,” adding that she believes her daughter and her classmates are already becoming the change they hope to see in the world.

“Congratulations to all the graduates, and especially to mine,” she concluded.

Kate Hudson celebrated her son Ryder Robinson, who also graduated from New York University, alongside members of their blended family. Hudson shares Ryder with ex-husband Chris Robinson.

Several celebrity families have shared graduation celebrations on social media in recent weeks as commencement ceremonies continue across the country.

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