Heather Joy Arrington is a former tennis player, best known as the mother of famous actresses Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Born into an athletic family, Heather was a talented tennis player who competed at the college level. She was recognized for her athletic ability and supportive role in her daughter’s burgeoning career in Hollywood.
Instead of thrusting them into the spotlight, Heather is a behind-the-scenes guide, allowing her daughters to explore their passions while instilling strong values and behaviors.
File
- Full name: Heather Joy Arrington
- Date of birth: July 1, 1967
- Age: 57 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Conyers, Georgia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Former tennis player
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches
- Parents: Rick Arrington (father), Mary Jane Arrington (mother)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Steven Fanning (married September 9, 1992; divorced 2018)
- Children: Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: $400,000
Early life and education
Heather Joy Arrington is 57 years old this year. She was born on July 1, 1967 in Conyers, Georgia.
Growing up in a family steeped in sports passion – her father is a former professional soccer player – Heather developed an interest in sports at a young age.
She played tennis throughout her childhood and continued to excel at the sport while attending the University of Miami, where she received a tennis scholarship.
Heather’s upbringing emphasized discipline and hard work, qualities she would later pass on to her daughters.
She is white and grew up with traditional Southern values. After graduating from college, Heather briefly pursued a professional tennis career before shifting her focus to family life.
Personal life
Heather Joy Arrington married Steven Fanning on September 9, 1992. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Dakota Fanning, on February 23, 1994, followed by their second daughter, Elle Fanning, on September 9. April 1998.
Heather made it a priority to give her children a normal childhood throughout their early years despite their growing fame in Hollywood.
In October 2016, Steven filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation was amicable and did not involve a dispute over alimony or child support because both daughters were adults.
Heather maintained a close relationship with her daughters after the divorce and continued to support them in their careers.
Career
Heather Joy Arrington’s career largely revolves around being a devoted mother to Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Although she had athletic aspirations when she was young, her focus turned to nurturing her daughters’ talents as they entered the entertainment industry.
Heather is famous for accompanying Dakota during filming while also ensuring that Elle has appropriate supervision from family members when necessary.
Although she never took on the role of “mother,” Heather’s influence was evident in the way both daughters conducted themselves professionally and personally.
Her commitment to instilling good manners and values shaped their characters as they navigated their careers in Hollywood.
Net worth
Heather Joy Arrington’s net worth is approximately $400,000.
This number reflects her previous career as an athlete and her role as a supportive mother to two successful actresses.