On the occasion of her first Mother’s Day without her beloved mother, Dexter “Dexie” White paid a heartfelt homage to the late Diane Keaton. Dexie, who became part of Keaton’s life through adoption when the actress was in her fifties, commemorated the day by sharing a trio of intimate snapshots on her Instagram account.
Among the images was a tender moment captured between the Hollywood legend and her daughter, where Keaton, whose life was cut short by pneumonia at the age of 79, is seen gently kissing Dexie on the cheek. This poignant image speaks volumes of the bond they shared.
‘First Mother’s Day without you. I miss you more than words can say. Missing her voice, her hugs, her presence, and everything that made her home. I love you, Mom,’ she wrote in the caption.
In another nostalgic photograph, a youthful Dexie can be seen enjoying a carefree day at the beach with her mother, a testament to the cherished memories they created together. The warmth of those days is palpable through the lens of the camera.
The third photo offers a glimpse into a significant milestone in Dexie’s life—her wedding day. In this image, she is enveloped in a loving embrace from her mother, a moment that captures the essence of their relationship.
Accompanying these heartfelt images, Dexie reposted one to her Instagram Stories, adding the touching words, “I miss smiling with you. I just miss you, mom…” Her words echo the profound loss and longing she feels in the absence of her mother, a woman who left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved her.
Diane Keaton’s daughter Dexter ‘Dexie’ White shared a touching tribute to the late actress as she marked her first Mother’s Day since the Hollywood icon’s death
‘I miss you more than words can say. Missing her voice, her hugs, her presence, and everything that made her home. I love you, Mom,’ she wrote in the caption
The third photo showed Dexie on her wedding day while getting a sweet embrace from her mom.
Keaton never married but adopted two children – Dexie in 1996 and son Duke in 2001.
Duke found a unique way to pay tribute to Keaton in October, as he stepped out wearing two cross necklaces in a look made famous by his mother.
In 2003, Keaton told Film Monthly about her experience of becoming a mom: ‘Motherhood has completely changed me. It’s just about the most completely humbling experience I’ve ever had.’
The Oscar winner never wed despite heated romances with her castmates Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Woody Allen.
‘It goes back to my mother, because, for me, most everything does,’ Keaton explained to Interview in 2021.
‘She had four kids, and I was the firstborn. I saw how much she gave up. I mentioned watching her get that crowning glory and being Mrs. Highland Park. After that, we moved down to Santa Ana, and it was over. There was no more trying things out. I feel like she chose family over her dreams.’
‘And she was just the best mother, but I think that she is the reason why I didn’t get married. I didn’t want to give up my independence. By the way, no one has ever asked me to marry them, either, so that might be a good answer. I should’ve started with that and called it a day.’
Dexie – whom Keaton adopted in her fifties – shared three candid photos with the star to her Instagram
One photo showed Dexie on her wedding day while getting a sweet embrace from her mom
She re-shared the snap to her Instagram Stories, writing, ‘I miss smiling with you. I just miss you, mom…’
The Hollywood legend adopted two children – daughter Dexie in 1996 and son Duke in 2001; Picture with her kids in 2018
The iconic actress died from pneumonia on October 11 at age 79; Seen in 2022 in Hollywood
The Hollywood legend died on October 11, with her family previously revealing she passed away from pneumonia.
The star’s death certificate obtained by the Daily Mail confirmed Keaton had battled primary bacterial pneumonia and that she had it for days before her death.
The document listed no other significant contributing conditions and said Keaton was cremated on October 14.
Primary bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria that can develop on its own or after a viral infection. Symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Keaton’s family issued an emotional statement which read: ‘The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11.’
They also offered insight into what the Hollywood icon had been dedicated to, including her love for animals.
‘She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.’
A friend close to Keaton had previously told People that the star’s health had ‘declined very suddenly’ and was ‘heartbreaking for everyone who loved her’.
Despite dating a string of famous co-stars like Al Pacino, the Oscar winner never married, stating that she did not want to give up her independence; Pacino and Keaton seen in 1989
She first found fame playing Michael Corleone’s (R, Pacino) second wife Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy (1972-1990) and went on to star in eight Woody Allen movies including Annie Hall (1977)
‘In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.’
Keaton’s final moments were also laid bare in a chilling 911 call.
In a recording obtained by TMZ, a dispatcher could be heard calling for the Los Angeles Fire Department to respond to reports of a ‘person down’ at Keaton’s residence around 8am.
The Godfather actress had been transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance where she was later pronounced dead.
Keaton first found fame playing Michael Corleone’s second wife Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy and went on to star in eight Woody Allen movies including Annie Hall.
