More Than a Movie Icon: The Person Who Called Diane Keaton 'Mom' — Celebrities Pay Tribute

Hollywood mourns the incomparable Diane Keaton with gut-wrenching tributes, outlining how much Keaton meant to them, after the beloved star died at 79.

Diane Keaton, the quirky, brilliant, completely irreplaceable actress who defined decades of film and fashion, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that has every corner of Tinseltown in mourning.

Now, some of the most famous names in the world — from Jane Fonda and Robert De Niro to Reese Witherspoon, Rita Wilson, Mandy Moore, who saw Keaton as a mother, and more — are speaking out in raw, emotional detail about the woman who touched their lives.

'She Was Always a Spark of Life': Jane Fonda Expresses Her Grief with a Soulful Goodbye

Fonda's dedication echoed both sorrow and awe. Sharing a radiant photo of Keaton — dressed in her signature eclectic style and joyfully tipping her hat beside a golden retriever — Fonda wrote, "It's hard to believe… or accept… that Diane has passed." Her caption painted a vivid portrait of Keaton's unmistakable essence.

"She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative…in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her world view [sic]," the silver screen icon expressed.

Fonda emphasized what many already knew yet still found impossible to articulate — Keaton's singularity. "Unique is what she was," she added, before delivering a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of Keaton's craft — "And, though she didn't know it or wouldn't admit it, man [sic] she was a fine actress!"

'I Was Not Expecting Her to Leave Us': Robert De Niro Speaks Out

Meanwhile, De Niro expressed his grief in a solemn statement shared with ABC News. "I am very sad to hear of Diane's passing," he said.

"I was very fond of her and the news of her leaving us has taken me totally by surprise," he continued. "I was not expecting her to leave us. She will be missed. May she rest in peace."

Mandy Moore Mourns Deeply for Her Screen Mother

Moore's words about Keaton resonated deeply — not only for what she said, but for how she said it. Sharing two heartwarming images on Instagram — one of her and Keaton laughing joyously on the red carpet, the other a cozy scene from "Because I Said So," where the two played mother and daughter — Moore offered a glimpse into the bond they shared on and off screen.

"They say don't meet your heroes," she began, "but I got to work with one of mine and even call her 'mom' for a few months." Moore painted Keaton as a woman who left a permanent mark. "An honor of a lifetime. What an incandescent human Di is and was," Moore marveled.

"I am so sad she's gone for all the reasons," she added, "but also because it felt like she'd be here forever, dazzling us with her talent and charm (and her style, c'mon)!!! One of the very best to ever do it."

As she closed by extending love to Keaton's children and family, Moore captured what so many others had tried to express: that Keaton was never just a star — she was family, even to those who only knew her for a moment.

'She Was a Craftsman': Rita Wilson Honors Diane Keaton's Artistry, Motherhood, and Soul

Taking to Instagram to honor Keaton, Wilson offered perhaps one of the most sweeping and heartfelt tributes shared thus far.

Alongside a carousel of touching images — including snapshots of Keaton beaming alongside Wilson, embracing dogs, and striking goofy and introspective poses in her youth — Wilson captured the multifaceted legacy of a woman she described as both luminous and deeply grounded.

"Every time I met Diane [sic] she was laughing, smiling, creating, observing, reflecting," Wilson penned, before praising Keaton's unmatched versatility, stating, "Her work as an artist is simply outstanding."

Wilson went on to recall being spellbound by Keaton's vulnerable performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," noting the rare honesty she exuded even in unscripted moments.

More than just a performer, Wilson highlighted Keaton's deep reverence for beauty and preservation — particularly her passion for restoring architecturally significant homes. "She was a craftsman," Wilson said, weaving artistry through her roles and her life.

She also touched on Keaton's later-in-life journey into motherhood, which the actress embraced with fierce independence and love. "Diane was determined to be a mom and did so, on her own," Wilson asserted, naming the two children Keaton adopted — as part of her enduring legacy.

The tribute concluded with a tender blessing, "My prayers are with Diane's loved ones and her children. May her memory be eternal."

Reese Witherspoon Remembers Diane Keaton as One of Her First Mentors

Another dedication came from Witherspoon, who offered a tearful tribute that underscored Keaton's role as a guiding light for younger generations of women in Hollywood.

Speaking candidly in an emotional video shared on Instagram, Witherspoon appeared visibly shaken as she recalled the early days of her career — and the pivotal role Keaton played in them. "Diane was really important," she began, pausing to gather herself. "She was one of my first mentors in this business."

Witherspoon, just 15 at the time of their first meeting, remembered walking into one of her earliest auditions with a thick Southern accent and big dreams. "She goes, 'Who are you?' I said, 'I'm Reese Witherspoon, and I'm from Nashville, Tennessee,'" Witherspoon recalled. What came next was pure Keaton — spontaneous, warm, and completely disarming.

After asking if Witherspoon's southern twang was actually the way she spoke or whether she was faking it, Witherspoon stated, "No, ma'am, I'm from Nashville, Tennessee, and I'm here, and I'd love to be in your movie."

"Well, you're hired," Keaton told the young actress. "You're hired today, tomorrow, and the next day." That encounter would leave a lasting imprint on Witherspoon, who described Keaton as "incredible, and indelible, and just a truly original person."

In a moment that blended grief with celebration, she encouraged fans to honor Keaton's legacy in a way the late actress would have loved — by watching one of her films, donning a bold outfit, and embracing individuality without apology. "Just be your unique, interesting self," Witherspoon said, her voice quivering. "I think Diane would be really happy."

Witherspoon's caption echoed that same admiration — "Diane Keaton changed the way we all saw women on screen — smart, funny, stylish, and completely original. I'm so grateful to have had her as a mentor 🤍."

Even More Stars Speak Out: 'A Revolutionary Actor,' and 'A Trail of Fairy Dust'

The emotional tributes didn't stop there. Julia Louis-Dreyfus shared a striking black-and-white portrait of Keaton when she was younger that exuded poise and quiet defiance.

Her caption, though brief, carried the weight of reverence, as Louis-Dreyfus noted, "She was a revolutionary actor, both comedically and dramatically. She was a singular artist. I am so grateful to her and may she rest in peace."

While many remember Keaton for her grace and artistry, Steve Martin chose to celebrate her wit — a trait that made her as beloved off-screen as she was on it.

Sharing a screenshot from a past Interview Magazine conversation with Martin Short, Martin posted a hilariously candid exchange in which Keaton's trademark deadpan humor stole the spotlight. "Don't know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane," he wrote in the caption.

Where Martin honored Keaton's quick wit, Goldie Hawn turned inward, sharing a tribute rooted in memory, grief, and enduring sisterhood. Alongside a glowing black-and-white image of Keaton smiling beneath a wide-brim hat, Hawn poured out a love letter laced with sorrow.

"Diane, we aren't ready to lose you," she started. "You've left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination." The two had formed a bond during their time filming "The First Wives Club," a connection Hawn revisited with vivid warmth.

"I was blessed to make 'First Wives Club' with you, our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming," Hawn reflected. She also reminisced about the pact they once made — to grow old together, perhaps even live under the same roof with a tribe of their closest girlfriends.

"Well, we never got to live together," Hawn admitted, "but we did grow older together." Her parting words were as whimsical as they were heartbreaking, "Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I'm going to miss the hell out of you."

'An Icon of Style, Humor and Comedy': More Film and Music Stars Join In

Sharing a radiant photo of Keaton smiling brightly in a pearl-accented necklace and glasses, Belinda Carlisle recalled her personal connection to the star — one rooted in music. Keaton had directed two of Carlisle's most iconic music videos, "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and "I Get Weak."

From musicians to fellow actors, the tributes continued to roll in — each one offering another facet of Keaton's legacy. Ben Stiller kept his words simple yet profound. Posting on X, he wrote, "Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and [sic] comedy. Brilliant. What a person."

Stiller's praise for Keaton's brilliance was echoed by a tender reflection from Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who starred alongside Keaton in the beloved "Father of the Bride" films.

Sharing two heartwarming stills from their time on set — one capturing uncontainable laughter, the other a quiet, intimate hospital scene — Williams-Paisley penned, "Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life."

"Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter. 🙏🏻🕊️💔❤️❤️❤️," expressed Williams-Paisley.

Another heartfelt message came from Paul Feig. Posting on X, Feig highlighted, "I was so honored to call Diane Keaton a friend. She was an amazingly kind and creative person who also just happened to be a Hollywood legend."

His words echoed a sentiment shared by many — that Keaton's brilliance was matched only by her warmth. "She has been taken from us far too soon," he continued. "We will miss you, Diane."

The Final Curtain: One of Hollywood's Brightest Stars Died at 79

As Hollywood continues to mourn and honor Keaton's remarkable life, many are also reflecting on the details surrounding her passing — a moment that has left fans and loved ones reeling with disbelief and sorrow.

The endlessly charming, quirky, and trailblazing actress who lit up the screen for over five decades died on October 11, 2025, at 79 in California.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she was the eldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother — whose maiden name, Keaton, she later adopted — was a homemaker.

Further details about the star's death have not been shared, and her family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of one of cinema's most beloved voices. Hollywood may never recover, and will certainly never forget the force that was Diane Keaton.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Keaton's kids, her family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved her as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Keaton.