Why Diane Keaton Chose To Be A Single Mom

Her charming personality and eclectic style are her hallmarks. Diane KeatonIt is difficult not to fall in love with them. First time on stage in 1968 Broadway production HairSince then, she has won an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards as well as the AFI Life Achievement Award. During her decades-long career, Keaton seems to have done it all, except one thing—get married. 

However, marriage was never on their agenda. Annie HallDespite being a star, she still found time to be a mother in her fifties. She is happier than ever. So why did Keaton decide to become a parent on her own? And what was the catalyst for that decision so late in her life? We’ve got the details on her not-so-common lifestyle, why it works for her, and what her kids are up to now. 

Diane Keaton has never been married

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images).

When it comes right down to it, Keaton made the conscious choice not to marry simply because she didn’t want to give up her independence. It’s also no surprise that she based her initial decision on her childhood and watching her own parents. Talking with Lisa Kudrow via Interview magazine, the Hollywood actress elaborates about seeing her mom sacrifice everything for her family—including her own dreams.

“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,” she said. “There was no more trying things out. I feel like she chose her 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.”

In complete “Keaton” form, she went on to make a joke about her love life as well, saying, “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.”

Just because the beloved actress hasn’t been married, doesn’t mean that she hasn’t had a few relationships and flings in her past. She’s been linked to Warren BeattyWoody Allen, Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson. Despite her hopes for a lasting connection, none of these relationships evolved beyond dating. As of now, Keaton has no plans of dating any time soon—if at all. 

“I have a lot of male friends,” Keaton told InStyle magazine. “I have a lot of friends, but no dates. No mwah-mwah.”

She Adopted Two Children In Her Fifties

HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 08:  (L-R) Duke Keaton, Honoree Diane Keaton and  Dexter Keaton attend the after party for American Film Institute's 45th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to Diane Keaton at OHM Nightclub on June 8, 2017 in Hollywood, California. 26658_006
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images of Turner)

Relationships aside, the “Something’s Gotta Give” star still wanted to become a mother. This realizationShe was left with a new life after her father’s death. She was a daughter for four decades and realized she had to do something different now that her father is gone. 

“Motherhood was not an urge I couldn’t resist, it was more like a thought I’d been thinking for a very long time…I wanted to be in a good relationship. Those good relationships that are strong and substantive never happened for me, and that prolonged my indecisiveness,” Keaton told People.

It wasn’t until Keaton was in her 50s that she decided to take a giant leap and begin the adoption process. 1996 was the year Keaton adopted her first child. Keaton adopted her daughter DexterThe year before, a woman named Judith was born. She adopted her son Duke in 2001. 

Keaton’s Kids Are All Grown Up Now

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 01: Diane Keaton and family attend the premiere of STX's "Poms" at Regal LA Live on May 1, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty Images).

Quite a bit of time has passed since Keaton adopted her two children and she’s been loving every minute of being a mother. Watching Dexter and Duke grow up has been an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience for her, and it appears that both of her kids absolutely adore their mother—which is understandable when your mother is the one-and-only Diane Keaton.

Dexter often posts photos and gushes to her followers on Instagram about her adoring mom, “Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing momma! I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman. I couldn’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. I love you!” reads a caption from a previous Mother’s Day post. Keaton’s daughter recently got married in June 2021, and she, of course, was in attendance, beaming with pride.

Duke likes to keep his life private. According to his Instagram account, he has lots of interesting hobbies where he can showcase his talents—cooking and photography seem to be his favorites. Keaton herself is an accomplished photographer, so we’re certain she’s ecstatic about her son’s shared interest. Duke is also out and about, apparently rubbing elbows and chatting with Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne.