Diane Keaton’s $100 Million Legacy: Who Inherits — And What Her Children Could Expect
Hollywood icon Diane Keaton, whose offscreen life was as singular as her roles, died Oct. 11 at 79; she leaves a decades-long film legacy and an estate reportedly worth $100 million, according to FandomWire.
We lost Diane Keaton on October 11, 2025. She was 79. The hats, the gloves, the timing, the entire Diane Keaton-ness of it all — that part sticks. What also sticks: a reported $100 million fortune (per Celebrity Net Worth), two kids she chose on her own timeline, and a pretty clear idea of who likely inherits what.
The family she built, on her terms
Keaton never married. She did motherhood anyway, and it ended up defining a huge part of her life.
Dexter came first
In 1996, Keaton adopted her first child, a daughter named Dexter. Dexter was born December 15, 1995, and grew up very close to her mom. Keaton was open about how parenting flipped her brain chemistry — not in a cutesy way, in a very real 'this is terrifying' way.
"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 was Keaton, in a line that sounds like every parent I know (via Daily Express U.S.). Dexter keeps things mostly private, but she did pop up in the headlines when she got engaged to Jordan White in November 2020 and married him on June 12, 2021. And if you want a clean shot of their bond: back in 2014, Dexter posted a Mother's Day note on Instagram thanking Keaton for adopting her and calling her strong, beautiful, and talented. Simple, sincere, very them.
Then came Duke
Keaton adopted her son, Duke, in 2001. He was born February 8, 2000, and grew up with a mom who, by her own admission, was figuring out parenthood in her 50s — quirks, challenges, and all. She shared the occasional birthday montage and candid moment, but like his sister, Duke stayed out of the spotlight. The takeaway wasn't mystery; it was intention. She carved out space for her kids and kept their lives theirs.
The money question: where does $100 million go?
Keaton's career spanned decades of acting and directing, plus a side hustle she was famously good at: buying, renovating, and selling homes. Add royalties, residuals, investments — the usual portfolio for someone of her stature — and you land at an estimated $100 million (again, per Celebrity Net Worth).
What happens now is pretty straightforward, unless she left a curveball in her paperwork. If there's a will (there usually is with estates this size), it lays out who gets what — cash, real estate, royalties, the whole thing. If there isn't, state law decides. In her situation — no spouse, two adopted children — Dexter and Duke would be first in line either way.
There are caveats. Taxes, legal fees, and any outstanding debts take their bite. Celebrities also tend to set up trusts and carve out charitable gifts; Keaton cared about causes, so it would not be surprising if a portion is earmarked for philanthropy. But barring a surprise heir or a very specific clause, the bulk likely goes to Dexter and Duke.
- Born: January 5, 1946
- Died: October 11, 2025
- Marital status: Never married
- Children: Dexter Keaton (adopted 1996; married Jordan White in 2021), Duke Keaton (adopted 2001)
- Net worth: About $100 million (per Celebrity Net Worth)
- Likely beneficiaries: Dexter and Duke, with potential charitable allocations and the usual taxes/fees
However the numbers shake out, the headline is the same: Keaton built a life she wanted, on her timeline. The legacy feels just as intentional.