On a sunlit Sunday, June 15, 2025, the world caught a glimpse of the enduring bond between former Hollywood power couple Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck as Garner took to social media to extend a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute to her ex-husband. The gesture, marked by a rare and tender throwback photo, underscored the amicable co-parenting relationship the two have nurtured since their divorce in 2018. Amidst their shared history and individual paths, this public acknowledgment of Affleck’s role as a father to their three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—resonated with fans and highlighted a story of respect, resilience, and mutual support that transcends their past romantic chapter.
The tribute came in the form of an Instagram Story, where Garner, the beloved 53-year-old actress known for her roles in 13 Going on 30 and Alias, shared a never-before-seen snapshot of Affleck cradling one of their children as a newborn. The image depicted Affleck reclining on a couch, his hand gently supporting the baby resting on his chest, a moment of quiet intimacy that captured his dedication as a parent. Garner’s caption was simple yet poignant: “Happy Father’s Day to 3 people’s favorite landing spot.” The phrase, a nod to the comfort their children find in Affleck, spoke volumes about the actor’s nurturing side, a trait he has consistently demonstrated despite the ups and downs of his personal life.
This wasn’t Garner’s only Father’s Day message. In a separate post, she paid homage to her late father, William John Garner, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 85. Accompanied by a nostalgic video of the two walking together in matching overalls on their family farm, she wrote, “Being fathered by someone who loves being a dad is a gift; my sisters and I know this love and (lucky for us) all of our kids do, too. Happy Father’s Day to the Dads, no matter where you are. To the uncles and grandfathers and father figures, too. We love you.” This dual tribute wove a narrative of gratitude, connecting her personal loss with her appreciation for Affleck’s fatherly role, showcasing a day filled with both reflection and celebration.
Garner and Affleck’s journey together began in the early 2000s on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2002, where their professional collaboration sparked a romance. They starred together in Daredevil in 2003, and by 2004, they made their first public appearance as a couple at a Boston Red Sox game during the World Series. The couple married quietly in June 2005 in the Turks and Caicos, welcoming their first child, Violet, later that year. Over the next decade, they expanded their family with Seraphina in 2009 and Samuel in 2012. However, cracks began to show, and in June 2015, just days after their 10th wedding anniversary, they announced their separation. Their divorce was finalized in October 2018, marking the end of a 13-year marriage that had once been a Hollywood fairy tale.
Despite the split, Garner and Affleck have prioritized their children, maintaining a cooperative and respectful co-parenting dynamic. This Father’s Day tribute is a continuation of that commitment, echoing Affleck’s own words from a recent GQ interview where he praised Garner as “a really good co-parent and partner… who’s wonderful and great and we work together well.” The actor, now 52, has often spoken highly of Garner, telling People in 2020, “When you have children with somebody, you’re connected to them forever… I’m very grateful and respectful of her. Our marriage didn’t work, and that’s difficult. Both of us really believe that it’s important for kids to see their parents respect one another and get along, whether they’re together or not.” This philosophy has guided their post-divorce relationship, turning a once-romantic partnership into a model of modern co-parenting.
The throwback photo Garner shared wasn’t just a personal memento; it became a public statement. Fans flooded social media with admiration, with comments like “This is what co-parenting goals look like!” and “Ben and Jen proving love can evolve into something beautiful.” The image, though undated, likely dates back to the early years of their children’s lives, a time when the couple was still navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood together. It served as a reminder of Affleck’s softer side, often overshadowed by his high-profile roles in films like Argo and The Accountant, or his more recent tabloid attention following his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez, which ended in divorce in February 2025.
Speaking of Lopez, the timing of Garner’s tribute coincided with Affleck spending Father’s Day with her, as reported by various outlets. Paparazzi captured Garner visiting Affleck’s rented home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, where she spent much of the day before he drove her back. This sighting fueled speculation about their relationship, with some wondering if it hinted at a reconciliation. However, sources close to Garner have clarified that her focus remains on co-parenting and her current relationship with businessman John Miller, whom she has dated on and off since 2018. A source told Page Six in March 2025 that while Affleck “would love another chance” with Garner, “the feeling is not mutual,” and she is “happy” with Miller, who has been living with her part-time.
Affleck’s day with Garner also overlapped with a subtle Father’s Day nod from Lopez, who posted a black-and-white throwback photo from Pearl Harbor on her Instagram Story with the caption “Our hero. Happy Father’s Day” accompanied by a heart emoji. This gesture, while affectionate, stood in contrast to the growing distance between Lopez and Affleck, whose marriage has been under scrutiny since rumors of a split surfaced in 2024. The juxtaposition of Lopez’s tribute and Garner’s more personal shoutout highlighted the complex web of relationships surrounding Affleck, with Garner’s message carrying a deeper emotional weight given their shared history and ongoing partnership as parents.
The public’s reaction to Garner’s tribute was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the couple’s ability to move beyond their romantic past. On platforms like X, users shared sentiments such as “Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are the gold standard for exes” and “This photo melts my heart—proof that love can transform into something even better.” The post also reignited discussions about Affleck’s evolution as a father, with fans recalling his past struggles with alcohol addiction, for which he sought treatment in 2017 and 2018 with Garner’s support. His openness about these challenges, coupled with his dedication to his children, has earned him respect, further amplified by Garner’s public acknowledgment.
Garner’s tribute also served as a personal milestone, marking her first Father’s Day without her own dad. The video of her and William Garner strolling together was a touching tribute to his legacy, reflecting the values she now sees in Affleck. This dual focus—honoring her father and her children’s father—painted a picture of a woman rooted in family, even as she navigates her own life with Miller. The overall message was one of continuity, suggesting that fatherhood, in all its forms, remains a cornerstone of her world.
Looking ahead, Garner and Affleck’s co-parenting journey continues to evolve. With Violet now 19 and attending college, Seraphina 16, and Samuel 13, the dynamics of their family are shifting. Affleck’s recent projects, including The Accountant 2 released in June 2025, and Garner’s work with Save the Children, keep them busy, yet their commitment to their children remains unwavering. This Father’s Day tribute, simple as it was, reinforced that their story is less about a Hollywood breakup and more about a partnership that endures for the sake of love and family.
In a world often captivated by celebrity drama, Jennifer Garner’s Father’s Day message to Ben Affleck stood out as a beacon of positivity. It was a reminder that even after love fades, respect and collaboration can flourish, creating a stable foundation for the next generation. As the sun set on June 15, 2025, the image of Affleck as a devoted dad lingered in the minds of fans, a testament to the enduring bond he shares with Garner—not as spouses, but as parents united by their children’s happiness.
