Silence filled the small chapel in Beverly Hills as Dexter Keaton White and Duke Keaton, the two adopted children of legendary actress Diane Keaton, walked hand in hand into their mother’s private memorial service on Sunday afternoon.
The ceremony, attended by close friends and family, was marked by quiet grace and deep emotion. A soft piano rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend” echoed through the hall — a song Diane once sang to her children during their childhood.
Dressed in elegant black, Dexter fought back tears as she began her tribute:
“Mom wasn’t just a movie star — she was the heartbeat of our family. She showed us that love doesn’t need grand gestures; it lives in the little things. She used to tell me, ‘If you can’t change the world, at least make someone smile.’ I promise, Mom, I’ll keep doing that for you.”
Her younger brother Duke followed with trembling voice:
“Mom adopted us when she was 50 — when everyone thought it was too late to start over. But she proved that love doesn’t have an age limit. She was my hero, not because she won an Oscar, but because she never gave up on us. Not once.”
After their speeches, the siblings embraced as the audience — including Nancy Meyers, Keanu Reeves, and Meryl Streep — rose in silent applause. A short video montage played on the screen, showing Diane laughing, gardening, and cooking with her children.
As the service ended, Dexter and Duke placed white roses on their mother’s casket, whispering softly: “We love you, Mom — forever.”