A Hat, a Glove, and a Sign: Kimberly Williams-Paisley Honors Diane Keaton with an Iconic Auction Find

Kimberly Williams-Paisley is keeping Diane Keaton's memory close. Nearly a year after the Oscar-winning actress died at age 79, Williams-Paisley shared a tribute to her late Father of the Bride costar after purchasing Keaton's iconic hat and gloves at auction. She also recalled an unexpected moment that she said made her feel Keaton's "energy was around us."

"Recently I bought this hat and gloves from the Diane Keaton auction. I'm so happy to have some of her iconic style with me," Williams-Paisley, 54, wrote in an Instagram post shared on Friday, Aug. 7.

As she and friends carefully unpacked the items and prepared to photograph them, something unexpected happened. "While my friends and I were carefully unpacking these items and getting ready to shoot this, a gorgeous, gigantic bald eagle landed in a nearby tree, stayed for a moment and then flew off (see video)," she wrote. "THIS IS SO RARE!! It definitely felt like Diane's energy was around us!"

A Message from Beyond

Williams-Paisley also pointed out a message Keaton had incorporated into the hat. "The hat says, 'NO MORE WAR,' and she'd added a skull and crossbones. So, I'm passing along her message. 👑✌🏻❤️🕊️ (this is part one of two☺️)," she wrote.

The carousel showed Williams-Paisley posing by a lake in a black-and-white suit while wearing Keaton's gloves and the black hat. It also included a video of the bald eagle she referenced in her caption. The final slide featured Keaton wearing the hat herself.

The eagle sighting was particularly meaningful given Keaton's well-known love of birds and nature. The actress was often photographed with birds, and her home was filled with bird-themed art and decor. For Williams-Paisley, the appearance of the eagle felt like a sign, a message from her friend and mentor that she was watching over her.

A Friendship Born on Set

Since Keaton's death on Oct. 11, 2025, Williams-Paisley has continued to share memories of working with the Oscar-winning actress and reflect on their friendship. The actresses starred together in 1991's Father of the Bride, with Williams-Paisley playing Annie Banks, the daughter of Keaton's Nina Banks and Steve Martin's George Banks. They reunited for Father of the Bride Part II in 1995, and their on-screen relationship grew into a close friendship.

Speaking on the Call It What It Is podcast after Keaton's death, Williams-Paisley called the actress one of her "idols" long before they ever met. "She was just so generous, and so funny, and wise. Just like wonderful," Williams-Paisley said, adding that the pair "really bonded" while filming the sequel.

She also recalled leaning on Keaton during periods of anxiety early in her career. "I remember I had a lot of anxiety during those two movies," Williams-Paisley said. "I mean, I was 19 on the first one. It was the first major role I had. And Diane was like a mother figure to me who was very safe. I talked to her about my anxiety."

Williams-Paisley said Keaton became "a kind listening ear," often helping her process recurring nightmares by talking through them together. The actress's generosity extended beyond just offering advice; she provided a safe space for a young actress navigating the pressures of Hollywood.

Remembering Diane Keaton

Following Keaton's death, Williams-Paisley also reflected on the actress's lasting influence in an interview with PEOPLE. "And then I remember hearing Diane laugh, and of course I knew who she was," she said of her Father of the Bride screen test. "I was such a huge fan growing up. I'd seen Annie Hall, I'd seen The Godfather, I'd seen Baby Boom. And just the idea that I was going to be in her presence was that's what I was most nervous about, but it was just, wow, Diane Keaton."

"To hear her laughter before anything, before even meeting her, was just such a great omen," Williams-Paisley added. "It was an auspicious beginning to a great relationship."

Keaton's legacy extends far beyond her iconic film roles. She was a style icon, known for her eclectic fashion sense and her signature hats, gloves, and menswear-inspired looks. She was also a devoted advocate for various causes, including environmental conservation and anti-war movements. The "NO MORE WAR" message on the hat Williams-Paisley purchased is a testament to Keaton's commitment to using her platform for change.

A Legacy of Style and Substance

The hat and gloves Williams-Paisley purchased are more than just memorabilia; they are symbols of Keaton's enduring influence. The hat, with its bold message and Keaton's personal touch, represents the actress's unapologetic individuality. The gloves, a staple of her style, speak to her timeless elegance.

Keaton's fashion sense was always about more than just looking good. Her style was a form of self-expression, a way of communicating her values and personality. The fact that she added a skull and crossbones to the "NO MORE WAR" message on the hat is a classic Keaton touch, mixing seriousness with a hint of irreverence.

The Auction: A Celebration of a Life

The auction where Williams-Paisley purchased the hat and gloves was a celebration of Keaton's life and legacy. Items from her personal collection, including clothing, accessories, and art, were sold to fans and collectors who wanted to own a piece of her history. The auction was a testament to Keaton's enduring popularity and the impact she had on so many lives.

For Williams-Paisley, owning the hat and gloves is a way to keep Keaton close. The items are not just objects; they are tangible connections to a woman who shaped her life and career. The bald eagle sighting, whether a coincidence or a sign, added a layer of magic to the experience.

A Tribute That Endures

Williams-Paisley's tribute to Keaton is a reminder of the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of meaningful relationships. The bond between the two actresses, forged on the set of a beloved film, endured for decades. Even after Keaton's passing, that bond remains strong, evident in the way Williams-Paisley continues to honor her memory.

The hat and gloves are now part of Williams-Paisley's story, just as Keaton was part of hers. By sharing the experience with her followers, Williams-Paisley has invited others to remember Keaton and the joy she brought to the world.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley's purchase of Diane Keaton's hat and gloves is more than a celebrity purchase it's a heartfelt tribute to a woman who profoundly impacted her life. The bald eagle's appearance, the message on the hat, and the memories Williams-Paisley has shared all serve as reminders of Keaton's spirit and influence.

In owning these items, Williams-Paisley has not only preserved a piece of Keaton's iconic style but also carried forward her message of peace, individuality, and love. As she wrote in her caption, "I'm passing along her message."