When you think about Diane Keaton, you probably picture the turtlenecks, the wide-brimmed hats, or maybe that iconic "Annie Hall" swagger. But for a long time, the public has been curious about a different side of her life—specifically, her role as a mother. If you're wondering how old are Diane Keaton children right now, you aren't alone. It’s one of those topics that pops up because Diane did things a bit differently than the Hollywood norm.
She didn't start her parenting journey in her 20s or 30s while juggling early stardom. Instead, she "plunged in," as she famously put it, well into her 50s. Today, her children are full-grown adults navigating their own lives far away from the glare of film sets and red carpets.
The Ages of Dexter and Duke Keaton in 2026
As of early 2026, Diane Keaton’s two children are firmly in their mid-to-late twenties and early thirties.
Dexter Keaton, Diane’s eldest, is currently 30 years old. She was born on December 15, 1995. Diane adopted her in 1996, a move that made waves at the time because the actress was 50 years old. It was a bold choice that redefined what "starting a family" looked like for women in the spotlight.
Duke Keaton, Diane’s son, is 25 years old. Born on February 8, 2000, he joined the family through adoption in 2001. At that point, Diane was 55. If you're doing the math, yes—there is about a four-year age gap between the siblings. They grew up as a tight-knit trio in a household that Diane once described as being filled with "nothing but love," even if it lacked a traditional father figure.
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Why Diane Waited Until Her 50s
Honestly, Diane has been super candid about why she waited. It wasn't some grand plan to be a "late bloomer" parent. In various interviews over the years, she admitted that motherhood wasn't exactly a biological ticking clock for her. It was more of a lingering thought that eventually turned into a "why not?" moment.
The passing of her own father was a huge catalyst. When he died, it shifted her perspective on legacy and what it meant to be a "daughter" versus a "mother." She realized she wanted someone to share her life with in a way that her romantic relationships—which included high-profile flings with Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen—simply didn't provide.
She’s often joked that she’s the only woman of her generation who stayed single her entire life. For her, motherhood was the relationship that finally stuck.
Life Away From the Spotlight
You won’t find Dexter or Duke headlining Marvel movies or "nepo baby" fashion spreads. That’s intentional. Diane was pretty adamant about giving them a normal life.
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- Dexter Keaton: She’s been the more "visible" of the two, mostly because she shares glimpses of her life on social media. She married Jordan White in 2021, a wedding where Diane was famously seen dancing and beaming.
- Duke Keaton: He’s a bit more of a mystery. He’s dipped his toes into photography and has been spotted hanging out with stars like Cara Delevingne, but he mostly keeps his head down.
Addressing the Recent News
It is impossible to talk about the Keaton family right now without acknowledging the heavy news from late 2025. Diane Keaton passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79.
This has obviously put a spotlight on Dexter and Duke as they navigate life without the woman they called "Mom." Just recently, in January 2026, Dexter shared a touching tribute for what would have been Diane's 80th birthday, even getting a tattoo to honor her. It’s clear that while they are adults now—aged 30 and 25—the bond they shared with Diane was the defining anchor of their lives.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume that because Diane was a "late" mother, her kids must still be young or that she was a "grandma" figure to them. That couldn't be further from the truth. By the time Diane reached her mid-70s, her kids were already independent adults.
There's also this misconception that they were raised by a fleet of nannies. While she certainly had help, Diane was famously hands-on. She often talked about the "humbling" experience of having teenagers who didn't care that she was an Oscar winner. To them, she was just the mom who wore too many hats and made them go on neighborhood walks.
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Actionable Insights for Late-in-Life Parenting
Diane Keaton’s story isn't just celebrity trivia; it’s a case study for anyone considering adoption or parenthood later in life. Here are a few takeaways based on her journey:
- Stability Matters: Diane often noted that being older made her more "stable" and "emotionally mature," even if she had less physical energy than a 20-year-old.
- Acknowledge the Mortality Gap: She was open about her anxiety regarding her age and wanting to "be there" for them. If you are an older parent, legal and financial planning (like trusts and guardianships) is non-negotiable.
- Define Your Own "Normal": Diane proved that a single-parent household led by a woman in her 50s could produce well-adjusted, private, and happy adults.
The legacy Diane leaves behind isn't just her filmography. It’s the fact that at 30 and 25, Dexter and Duke are living proof that "family" doesn't have a standard expiration date or a required blueprint.
To keep up with the latest updates on the Keaton family legacy or to explore more about Diane's storied career, you can follow verified entertainment news outlets that respect the family's current request for privacy during their period of mourning.