Despite separating over a decade ago, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have become an example of coparenting at its best. While their relationship may have changed, the family bond never did. Following the news that Ben’s mother, Chris Affleck, died at age 83 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, fans can’t help but wonder how the rest of the family is doing.
With her passing in June, Garner has been putting on a brave face as she does press for the Five Star Weekend. The series has a heavy theme centered around grief, so it’s hard to imagine how it was for Garner to tackle the subject while keeping the news of Chris’ passing private.
© WENN Rights LtdGarner is no stranger to loss. Her father, William John, passed away in March 2024 when he was 85. A source told ET at the time, Ben was “checking in on her and making sure she knows he is there for her.” “It was the kids’ grandfather and Ben and him always got along,” the source said. Considering Jennifer and Ben have been able to get to a partnership she admitted she never imagined, she has likely been reciprocating the love and care during this difficult time for him.
Chris and Jennifer’s bond
© The Grosby GroupOver the years, Garner and Chris were regularly photographed together. When their kids were babies, Jennifer and Chris were often spotted alone taking care of them. With Ben’s busy filming schedule, she was undoubtedly a pillar of support for them. As the kids grew up, they celebrated holidays together, and Chris attended her grandchildren’s sporting events.
As noted by DailyMail, during one of the most difficult chapters in Ben’s life, Chris reportedly stayed with Garner and the children while the actor underwent treatment at a Malibu rehabilitation facility in 2018.
© The Grosby GroupThe Grosby GroupAs the years went on, Thanksgiving stayed an important tradition. Last Thanksgiving, Chris joined Garner and Ben for a family dinner at the actress’ home. “Just like last year, Jen hosted Thanksgiving at her house. Ben and his mom joined,” a source told PEOPLE at the time.
Even after Ben married Jennifer Lopez, Chris was often seen warmly interacting with Garner. In 2024, she was photographed hugging her after Samuel’s basketball game, showing the love she still had for her ex-daughter-in-law.
Ben has also acknowledged the special relationship between the two women. In a 2019 Mother’s Day tribute, he shared a photo of Garner alongside his mother and wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day to the two incredible mothers who have shown me the meaning of love.”
© GONZALO/Bauer-GriffinChris’ death was confirmed by her family, who revealed she passed away peacefully on June 2 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December.
© GettyOf course, Chris was also a grandmother, and a constant in Violet, Fin and Samuel’s lives. According to her obituary, one of her final wishes was to attend her grandson Samuel’s high school graduation. She did just two days before her death.
Ben Affleck spotted after the news
Following the heartbreaking news, Ben was spotted for the first time arriving at his office in Hollywood.
© x17/The Grosby GroupThe actor appeared somewhat solemn as he walked, holding an iced coffee.
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