Reese Witherspoon has described her split from estranged husband Jim Toth as a “vulnerable time”.
The Morning Show actress, 47, and Hollywood talent agent, 52, announced their divorce on Instagram in March days before they were due to celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary.
In the social media statement, the pair said their 10-year-old son Tennessee was their “biggest priority” as they move forward as co-parents.
Now reflecting on their decision to publicly address their divorce online, Witherspoon spoke about the differences between the way she publicly handled their separation compared to her split from her first husband, Ryan Phillippe – who she shares children Ava and Deacon with.
She said: “It’s interesting what happened to me. When I was divorced before, the tabloid media got to tell people how I was feeling or how I was processing, and it felt very out of control.
“To be able to talk to people directly about what’s going on in my life and just share it in the way that I share great professional experiences or personal experiences, it feels much more authentic to be able to say things in my own voice and not let somebody else control what’s happening.
“Then, of course, there’s speculation, but I can’t control that. All I can do is be my most honest, forthright self and be vulnerable,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.
“It’s a vulnerable time for me.
“I think about how many other people are going through this experience. I don’t feel isolated at all. I feel very connected.”
The former couple were first linked in February, 2010, and announced their engagement at the end of that same year.
A mere three months later, they wed on March 26, 2011, and then welcomed their first child together, Tennessee in September, 2012.
Back in March, the pair shared a joint statement about their divorce, writing: “We have some personal news to share… It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce.
“We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together.
“Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter.
“These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”
