Reese Witherspoon Doesn't Feel 'Isolated' Post-Divorce Due To 'Authentic' Split
By Fiyin Olowokandi on July 15, 2023 at 11:15 AM EDT
Reese Witherspoon loves controlling the narrative as she navigates her new life without her second husband, Jim Toth.
As one of the world's most celebrated actresses, the sensational actress lacks privacy. The blonde beauty became fodder for the public's entertainment following her teenage debut in the 1991 film "The Man in the Moon."
The New Orleans native has grown to have her love life, family, and career frequently plastered on media outlets. One such moment was the 47-year-old's divorce from her first husband, Ryan Phillippe, an "out of control" experience the entertainer was happy not to repeat.
Reese Witherspoon Compares Her Separation From Jim Toth To Her First Marriage
The TV personality got candid about her status as a second-time divorcee in a heart-to-heart interview with Harper's BAZAAR Magazine. The "Legally Blonde" star broke her silence four months after the former spouses ended their 11-year marriage.
Serving powerful vibes for the outlet's August 2023 Performance Issue, the mother of three explained how she was coping without Toth in her cover story. Instead of hiding her vulnerability, the Oscar winner bared her heart, revealing she took time to "get quiet."
The "Big Little Lies" star's new routine included painting and listening to binaural beats, which the New Orleans native claimed worked like a charm at night. The 47-year-old chimed: "It's better than any melatonin or sleep aid. [It] turns your brain off."
Getting a good night's rest was something the entertainer needed, given the attention on her second divorce. However, the Primetime Emmy Award recipient would happily choose her current tabloid fame over her past run-ins with the media.
During her first marriage to Phillippe, Witherspoon suffered harrowing experiences at the hands of the paparazzi, going as far as being chased home by five shutterbugs. When the box office hitmaker reported the pursuit to authorities, they allegedly dismissed her problem, saying: "Well, aren't you famous?"
Given these heartbreaking ordeals, it was no wonder the "Cruel Intentions" actress found contentment in being the source of her separation from Toth. The Avon Products Global Ambassador compared the couple's joint statement on social media to her first divorce announcement.
"It's interesting what happened to me. When I was divorced before, the tabloid media got to tell people how I was feeling or processing, and it felt very out of control," the blonde beauty explained, noting that it felt better to tell people directly about her life.
"It feels much more authentic to be able to say things in my voice and not let somebody else control what's happening," the TV personality continued. "Then, there's speculation, but I can't control that. All I can do is be my most honest, forthright self and be vulnerable."
Reaffirming this post-divorce period was a "vulnerable time" for her, the mother of three acknowledged it had slowed down her activities "just a little bit." The Hello Sunshine co-owner confessed: "My brain has been going nonstop, and just life changes and running a company."
"But that's okay. I believe creativity is infinite, and you're just looking for that next bit of inspiration, so if you go through a little slow period, that's okay," Witherspoon added.
Moreover, the Hollywood sensation noted she did not feel alone in her struggles. "I think about how many other people are going through this experience. I don't feel isolated at all. I feel very connected," the People's Choice Award honoree admitted.
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As mentioned above, the "Sweet Home Alabama" actress and her ex-husband announced their separation via a joint statement. The exes shared the news on their social media pages, stating it had taken "a great deal of care and consideration" to end their 11-year affair.
The former spouses claimed they would move forward with "deep love, kindness, and mutual respect" as they navigated life as co-parents to their son. The duo welcomed Tennessee James during their marriage, while Witherspoon has two children from her relationship with Phillippe.
In the court documents obtained by sources, the "Water for Elephants" star and her ex-husband cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their separation. Additionally, the filing revealed the pair had signed a prenuptial agreement in 2011.
The prenup reportedly covered "adequate and sufficient provisions" for the former lovebirds' assets and debts. Moreover, the New Orleans native allegedly planned to get a judge's approval for a permanent parenting plan addressing Tennessee's wellbeing.