How Old Were Diane Keatons Kids When She Adopted Them

So, let’s talk about Diane Keaton. We love her, right? She’s that effortlessly cool, slightly quirky aunt we all wish we had. And, oh yeah, she’s also a mom. But not in the typical Hollywood “I had a baby at forty” kind of way. Diane went the adoption route. Twice. And I don’t know about you, but I always get curious about the timing. Like, how old were these little humans when she walked into their lives?

Let’s start with her first child, a daughter named Dexter. Yes, you read that right. Her name is Dexter. Typical Diane, right? She adopted Dexter back in 1996. So, how old was this tiny human? Three days old. I’m not even kidding. Diane literally brought her home from the hospital. She was a newborn. A little scrunched-up, perfect little potato.

Can you imagine? One minute you’re an actress picking out award-show dresses. The next, you’re Googling “how to swaddle a baby without panicking.” That takes guts. At 50 years old, Diane became a mom to a three-day-old. She went from single, successful woman to exhausted, madly-in-love mother in a single diaper change.

Then Came Duke

Fast forward to 2001. Diane decided she needed a little more chaos (aka another baby). That’s when she adopted her son, Duke. Now, this adoption story has a slightly different flavor. Duke wasn’t a newborn. He was a bit older.

He was two years old when Diane brought him home. Think about that for a second. A toddler. A walking, talking, opinion-having toddler. While other 55-year-olds are planning cruises, Diane was buying toddler-proof locks and negotiating tantrums over peas. She’s a legend for that, honestly.

Who are Diane Keaton's family? The two children who were adopted by

So, to recap: Dexter was three days old. Duke was two years. Diane didn’t do things by halves, did she? She went straight from infant to “terrible twos” territory. Probably skipped the newborn fog with the second one and went straight into the chaos of a mini-person with opinions.

The "Why" Behind It All

You might be wondering, “Why did she wait so long?” Or, “Why adopt older?” Well, Diane has talked about this. She’s a bit of a late bloomer in life. She never felt a huge rush to get married or have kids the “traditional” way. She just knew she wanted a family on her own terms.

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She’s said that adopting older kids (well, a toddler) felt right. She didn’t want to mess with the whole “blank slate” deal. She wanted a child who already had a bit of a personality. Someone who was already here, breathing, and needing a home. That’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it? Most people want the tiny, sleepy, “easy” version. Diane said, “No, give me the one who can already argue with me.”

And she totally made it work. Duke and Dexter are now adults. They’re both creative, a little weird (in the best way), and clearly obsessed with their mom. She raised them in a house full of art, weird hats, and probably a lot of loud music. What a vibe.

Why Did Diane Keaton Adopt Kids In Her 50s? Her Daughter Dexter Often

The Real Takeaway

So, there you have it. When you feel like you’re running out of time for a family, remember Diane Keaton. She was 50 with a newborn. She was 55 with a toddler. She didn’t just adapt—she thrived. She made it look cool. She made it look possible.

And honestly? The ages don’t even matter now. Those kids are grown, and Diane is still the same Diane: slightly chaotic, deeply loving, and wearing an enormous sunhat. Adoption is a brave, beautiful thing. And Diane Keaton proves that you can start your motherhood journey at any age—whether the baby is three days old, three years old, or already asking for the car keys.

Bottom line: If you’re worried about being “too old” to adopt, look at Diane. She was practically a baby boomer raising a Gen Z kid. And they turned out great. So grab a coffee, call your mom, and maybe watch Annie Hall tonight. Just remember: Diane Keaton is proof that good things—and good families—happen on their own schedule.