We know, we know. Of course a mother and daughter are likely to look very much alike. But even with that obvious truth, we’re still a little bit mind-blown at just how alike Reese Witherspoon and her daughter, Ava Phillipe, are as the years go by.
Case in point: take a look at this photo of Reese and Ava, which Reese shared in celebration of Ava’s birthday. Ava’s 27th birthday, might we add. And yet Reese, who is 50, looks identical to her daughter.
‘Happy birthday to my sweet girl Ava,’ wrote Reese on Instagram. ‘Infinitely creative, thoughtful and hilarious. Keep shining your beautiful light, my girl. I love you!’
The comment section is naturally filled with people remarking on how the mother-daughter duo look more like twin sisters. ‘You really said copy and paste,’ wrote one fan. ‘You really gave birth to yourself,’ said another.
The twinning in the photo went beyond the wild family resemblance facially (seriously, Ava’s smile is Reese’s smile), as the pair also wore coordinating looks for the occasion, each option for a combo of black and sparkles. While Ava coupled a mirrored skirt with a plain black jumper (plus a red lip), Reese opted for all-over shine in a black sequin dress and a black faux-fur jacket.
Ava marked her birthday by sharing her first post on her Substack, called Somebody’s Daughter, all about the 27 lessons she’s learned by the age of 27. Those lessons include the importance of self-love and ‘your integrity is solely yours to maintain’.
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Reading the Substack post, we couldn’t help but be reminded of some of Reese’s recent words of wisdom. Back in June, The Big Little Lies actor shared 5 things she wanted every woman to know, including why we shouldn’t wait for permission and how to keep moving forward. This week, she shared part 2, with yet more spot-on lessons:
Choose happiness
‘My mother taught me that happiness is a gift you give yourself every day,’ wrote Reese. ‘You can’t control what happens, but you can choose to look for the good.’
Opinions don't matter
‘The sooner you figure out that other people’s opinions of you are none of your business, you become free. Totally free.’
Protect your ambition
‘The game of life is not you against them. It’s a multiplayer game. It’s all there for you. But comparison will steal your ambition.’
Don’t look for trouble
‘Not every piece of information needs to be investigated, discussed or turned into a problem. Sometimes you can just leave it alone.’
Do the hard things
‘Even on hard days. If we do it now, we don’t have to do it later. You can do it. And it will change your whole life.’
Always give back
‘Olivia Rodrigo donated $10 million through Daisy Chain Fields to nonprofits supporting women and girls... because what you do for others matters most.’
Looks like sage advice runs in the family, too.
