Reese Witherspoon and More Stars React to Jane Fonda's Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Diagnosis

On Friday, Sept. 2, legendary actor and activist Jane Fonda revealed on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The 84-year-old said she feels "very lucky" because it's "a very treatable cancer." She went on to use much of the rest of her post to discuss the inequality in America's healthcare system and the ongoing climate crisis — showing once again how she has dedicated her life to fighting for positive change in the world. Fonda's news led to an outpouring of love and support from her many celebrity friends and admirers including Naomi Campbell, Mark Ruffalo, and Reese Witherspoon.

"I'm also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments," Fonda wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. "I realize, and it's painful, that I am privileged in this. Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don't have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right."

She continued, "We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine. I'm doing chemo for 6 months and am handling the treatments quite well and, believe me, I will not let any of this interfere with my climate activism."

Fonda went on to emphasize the importance of activism as the midterm elections approach. "Cancer is a teacher and I'm paying attention to the lessons it holds for me. One thing it's shown me already is the importance of community," she said. "Of growing and deepening one's community so that we are not alone. And the cancer, along with my age — almost 85 — definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities."

The "Grace and Frankie" star concluded her post with a vow to keep supporting the climate movement even as she continues to undergo chemotherapy. "The midterms are looming, and they are beyond consequential so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions," she wrote.

Read on to see how Fonda's celebrity friends are reacting to her news.

Naomi Campbell
Getty | Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR11

Naomi Campbell

Model Campbell commented on Fonda's post with words of support. "GRACEFUL QUEEN. @janefonda thank you , even at this difficult time you are sharing with the Us . It's so important to have a positive mind set !! And you do , GODBLESS!! you My thoughts and prayers are with you .. ❤️❤️❤️."

Reese Witherspoon
Getty | Dia Dipasupil

Reese Witherspoon

Witherspoon kept her message for the legendary star short and sweet. "Sending you all my strength! Love you Jane. ❤️," she wrote.

Mark Ruffalo
Getty | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Mark Ruffalo

"Sending you all the love and strength, Jane," Ruffalo commented. "Always full of grace and optimism. ❤️"

Lily Collins
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Lily Collins

The "Emily in Paris" actor commented, "Sending you so much love and light and all the positive thoughts possible. How beautifully said and strong you are. ❤️"

Diane Keaton
Getty | Tommaso Boddi

Diane Keaton

Fonda's "Book Club" costar praised her friend in a comment on the actor's post. "We love you, Jane. You are my hero. You are a warrior. All of my life I have been in awe of all that you do. I will continue to admire the crusader you have always been and always will be," Keaton wrote.

Lenny Kravitz
Getty | Amy Sussman

Lenny Kravitz

"You are a warrior. This shall pass. Sending all of my love and healing energy. God is with you," Kravitz commented.

Sophia Bush
Getty | Shedrick Pelt

Sophia Bush

Fellow activist Bush shared words of encouragement and praise with Fonda. "Ever a teacher, and always a legend," she said. "Thank you for sharing your perspective as you share your current reality, Jane. In awe of you. Sending love."

Rosario Dawson
Getty | Steve Granitz

Rosario Dawson

Dawson added, "Sending you so much love, Jane. You got this. And we're so grateful and lucky to have you. Resist!"

Christine Lahti
Getty | Michael Kovac

Christine Lahti

Fonda's friend Lahti wrote, "Sending many warm healing thoughts to you,Jane and much love. ❤️"

Katie Couric
Getty | John Lamparski

Katie Couric

Journalist and Stand Up to Cancer cofounder Couric praised the way Fonda is handling her diagnosis. "Handling this with grace, intelligence and selflessness, as always. Holding you in our hearts," she said.

Gemma Chan
Getty | Marc Piasecki

Gemma Chan

"Sending love to you ❤️," Chan commented on Fonda's post.

Rachel Brosnahan
Getty | Daniele Venturelli

Rachel Brosnahan

"Sending much love, Jane. Beast it," Brosnahan commented.

Alyssa Milano
Getty | Leon Bennett

Alyssa Milano

"Wishing you more strength than you need and more love than you can bear," Milano wrote. "Call me if you need anything. Always here. Always."