Reese Witherspoon has reassured fans that her 84-year-old father, John Draper Witherspoon, is doing well after he was taken to a Nashville hospital following a reported fall.
The actress addressed the situation on her Instagram Stories after reports emerged Friday about her father’s hospitalization.
“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,” Reese wrote.
She also thanked people who had contacted the family after hearing about the incident.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out. It means the world to our family,” she added.
What Happened to Reese Witherspoon’s Father?
According to a report cited by Page Six, John was reportedly found on the ground near the pool at his condominium in Nashville, Tennessee.
A fellow resident reportedly noticed him from a nearby balcony and alerted the building’s doorman. The doorman and building manager then checked on John before emergency medical assistance was arranged.
A Nashville Metro spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that a medical incident involving someone being taken to a hospital had occurred at the condominium building. Authorities did not identify the individual.
Reese’s own statement later confirmed that her father had been taken to the hospital following a fall and that he was “fine now.”
Details about the extent of any injuries were not disclosed in Reese’s statement.
Who Is John Draper Witherspoon?
John Witherspoon is a retired physician who specialized in otolaryngology, the medical specialty covering conditions involving the ear, nose and throat.
He also served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves.
John and his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Witherspoon, met while attending medical school at the University of Tennessee. Betty subsequently worked as a nurse.
The couple had two children, including their son John and daughter Reese, who was born in 1976.
Reese Witherspoon’s Parents Have Supported Her Career
Reese has previously spoken publicly about the importance of her family and has shared photographs with her parents during important moments in her career.
Her parents were present for major milestones, including her 2006 Academy Award win for Walk the Line and her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2010.
Reese has generally shared more frequent social-media updates involving her mother, while appearances featuring her father have been less common.
In 2020, however, the actress posted a Father’s Day photograph showing herself walking with John.
Reese Reassures Fans After the Hospital Report
The latest update provides the clearest information currently available about John’s condition.
Rather than discussing details of the medical incident, Reese focused on reassuring her followers that her father was receiving care and expressing gratitude to those who had shown concern.
Her statement also indicates that the family is choosing to keep further medical details private.
At this stage, no additional information about John’s condition or any injuries has been publicly disclosed by Reese or her family.
