Fans notice the same thing in Reese Witherspoon’s holiday photo with her daughter Ava Phillippe.

In a memorable interview on The Jay Leno Show, Reese explained the meaning behind her daughter’s name: “My daughter’s name is Ava… like Ava Gardner, because to me she was the only woman who could break Sinatra.

So the idea of that name to me is very classy and strong.”

Ava’s middle name, Elizabeth, honors Witherspoon’s own mother, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Witherspoon — reinforcing the deep sense of family connection that has defined much of Reese’s personal life.

Growing up in the Hollywood spotlight wasn’t always easy for Reese — something she has openly acknowledged.

In past interviews, she has discussed how challenging it was to balance young motherhood with an emerging acting career, especially while living away from her own support system.

“I lived away from my mother… and I literally had no friends,” she said of being a young mom in Los Angeles.

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