Diane Keaton is a name that sparkled in Hollywood for decades. She quietly built a life as singular and full of character as the roles she played. She passed away on October 11, 2025, at age 79, leaving behind not only a legacy of films but also an estimated net worth of $100 million (via Celebrity Net Worth).
Though she never walked down the aisle, she was a mother, and now her children will be the ones to carry forward much of that fortune. Let’s stroll through how she became a mother, who her children are, and what might happen to her wealth in the years ahead.
Diane Keaton’s Journey to Motherhood with Daughter Dexter Keaton
Diane Keaton with her son Duke and daughter Dexter (photographed by Ruven Afanador.) pic.twitter.com/OgQaS9kszf
Diane Keaton never walked down the aisle. But she knew what it meant to love and to nurture. In 1996, she adopted a baby girl she named Dexter Keaton. She was her first child. Dexter was born on December 15, 1995. And soon she became Diane’s pride and joy. The two shared a close bond, and Diane often expressed how adoption changed her life more than she ever expected.
In interviews, Diane would sometimes say motherhood made her worry in a different way. She once confessed (via Daily Express U.S.),
Before kids, if I worried, it was only about myself, but that’s all you do is worry as a parent. It’s rule number one in parenting: secretly worry without letting the kids know you’re worried.
That line could double as a parent’s life motto: equal parts love and low-grade panic. Yes, even famous actresses secretly run on adrenaline and “Did I pack her lunch?” thoughts. Dexter has largely kept a low profile, but she made headlines when she got engaged to Jordan White in November 2020 and married him on June 12, 2021.
Over the years, Dexter has posted sweet tributes to her mother. In 2014, for Mother’s Day, she wrote on Instagram, “I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman.” It’s clear Diane’s choice to adopt was more than symbolic. Her choice was deeply personal, and the two clearly treasure their bond.
Diane Keaton’s Favorite Movie Made Her Kiss A Living Legend and Keanu Reeves
Then, Duke Keaton Joined the Keaton Family
A post shared by Diane Keaton (@diane_keaton)
In 2001, one more little Keaton joined the fold. Diane adopted her son, Duke Keaton, born February 8, 2000. Duke grew up under a thoughtful and observant mother.
Diane often acknowledged the emotional shift motherhood brought. She didn’t pretend she had it easy; parenting in her 50s came with its quirks and challenges, but she embraced them.
Over time, Duke and Diane shared warm moments. She posted birthday montages and candid snapshots and looked at him with nothing but pride. Duke stayed out of the limelight, though. But his presence in Diane’s life was never hidden. She made room for both children in her heart and her calendar through film shoots and late nights.
What Will Happen to Diane Keaton’s $100 Million Fortune Now?
When someone as iconic as Diane Keaton passes away, the question inevitably turns to what happens to their estate and fortune. Diane built a net worth of about $100 million. This is a sum earned through decades of acting, directing, smart real estate deals, and creative ventures. Over her life, she bought, renovated, and sold properties (via Real Estate).
Because she never married, the likelihood is that her fortune will pass primarily to her two adopted children, Dexter and Duke, unless she left a will instructing otherwise. In Hollywood, estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-rich; it’s how you tell your legacy who gets what without courtroom drama.
If Diane left a valid will, it would lay out exactly how her assets — cash, royalties, real estate, residuals, investments — are distributed. Those kinds of documents are usually airtight in celebrity estates. If she didn’t leave a will (which would be surprising), intestate succession rules come into play, and the state’s laws would determine who gets what. Since she had no spouse, no biological children, and no parents or siblings (or fewer survivors), her adopted children would likely be first in line.
Dexter and Duke would then inherit the bulk of her estate, though taxes, legal fees, and any debts or obligations would reduce the total they actually receive. Also, many stars leave behind charitable gifts, trusts, or philanthropic commitments, which could divert parts of the estate. Diane was known to care about causes, so it’s possible some part went to charitable foundations or community projects.
In short, unless there’s a surprise heir or a hidden clause somewhere, the $100 million (minus the usual legal and tax costs) likely passes down to Dexter and Duke.
So, what do you think happens to her fortune now that she’s gone? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
