Reese Witherspoon has provided an update on her father, John Draper Witherspoon, after he was hospitalized following a fall on Friday. The actress took to Instagram Stories to reassure fans and friends that her father is doing well.
Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram Update
In her post, Reese wrote, “Earlier today, several outlets reported that my dad was taken to the hospital after a fall. I want to let everyone know that he is fine now. He is being taken care of by wonderful doctors and nurses.” She expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who reached out. It means the world to our family.”
Details of the Incident
John, 84, was found face down on the concrete near the pool of his Nashville, Tennessee, condo. A fellow resident spotted him from their balcony and alerted the doorman, who then discovered the retired otolaryngologist on the ground. “The doorman and building manager rolled him over and they said, ‘Dr. Witherspoon, are you OK?’” a source informed Page Six. John blinked in response, prompting the swift action of calling for medical help.
Nashville Metro confirmed that a medical incident occurred in the building, though they did not disclose the identity of the individual involved.
John Witherspoon’s Background
John served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves and specialized as a surgeon in ears, nose, and throat issues. He married his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Witherspoon, in 1970, after meeting in medical school at the University of Tennessee. The couple welcomed two children: Reese, born in 1976, and an older brother, also named John, born in 1972.
Though John and Betty raised their children in Nashville, they separated in the 1990s. Their split became public in 2012 when Betty filed a bigamy lawsuit against John, revealing that he had remarried without finalizing their divorce. Despite the tumultuous period, Betty stated in later interviews that they reconciled and have been together “quite a while” since then.
A Supportive Family
Throughout their careers, John and Betty have supported Reese, celebrating her achievements, including her Oscar win for “Walk the Line” in 2006 and her Hollywood Walk of Fame induction in 2010. While Reese frequently shares moments with her mother on social media, updates about her father are less common. The last notable mention came on Father’s Day in 2020, when she shared a selfie with him during a walk.
