While attending the Venice Film Festival on September 7, Nicole Kidman received the devastating news of her mother's passing. She immediately left the festival to return to her family.
The Tragic News Reaches Nicole at Venice Film Festival
During what was supposed to be a celebratory event for her role in the film "Babygirl," Kidman was instead struck with personal tragedy. Halina Reijn, the director of "Babygirl," read a heartfelt note from Kidman during her scheduled appearance.
In the note, Kidman revealed her mother's death and expressed her profound shock and grief. She dedicated her best actress award to her late mother, describing her as "beautiful, brave," and the shaping force in her life.
Nicole Kidman's Emotional Tribute to Her Mother
"The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken," Kidman said through the note read by Reijn. She acknowledged the immense support she and her family received, emphasizing how much each message meant to them.
Janelle Ann Kidman was 84 years old at her time of death. Although the cause was not disclosed, Nicole had mentioned her mother's health struggles during a January 2022 appearance on NPR's "Fresh Air."
Nicole Kidman Reflects on Her Mother's Influence
During her NPR interview, Nicole highlighted the efforts made to surround her mother with family in Australia. She recounted a special moment when they managed to take her to a Matisse exhibit, which provided great comfort to her mother amid health challenges.
On September 13, following the news of their mother's death, Nicole and her sister Antonia shared several throwback photos and a message of thanks to their fans on social media. This gesture was a tribute to the legacy their mother left behind.
Kidman Family Requests Privacy During Mourning
A representative for Nicole Kidman formally requested privacy for the family as they navigate through their mourning period. The spokesperson confirmed the immense grief that Kidman and her family are currently experiencing.
Keith Urban, while not providing detailed comments, acknowledged the support and concern from the public. "Yeah, everybody’s good, man. Thank you for asking," he briefly stated, indicating the family's resilience in the face of such a personal tragedy.
Remembering Janelle Ann Kidman's Legacy
Prior to the pandemic, Nicole missed celebrating her mother's 80th birthday due to travel restrictions. However, she cherished the moments they could spend together once restrictions eased, notably reuniting in August 2020.
This recent loss highlights not just the personal impact on one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, but also the collective experiences of families dealing with the loss of loved ones, underscoring the universal themes of love, loss, and remembrance.