Nicole Kidman confirms heartbreaking family news
Nicole Kidman has confirmed that her mum, Janelle, has passed away.
In a brief statement, Nicole's representatives confirmed the death to US news outlets, with the statement reading, “The family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”
The news of her mother's death came as the Aussie actress touched down in Italy for the Venice Film Festival, before she promptly left to join her sister, Antonia, and their extended family in Australia.
At the film festival, Nicole was named Best Actress for her work in the new film Babygirl, whose director Halina Reijn accepted on Nicole's behalf while paying tribute to Janelle and her impact on the actress's stellar career.
“Today I arrived in Venice to learn shortly thereafter that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed,” Nicole said, via a statement that was read on stage in Venice by Reijn.
“I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her,” Nicole’s statement continued.
“She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I’m beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of art and life is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
Nicole has previously spoken about the love and adoration she has for her mother, telling the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020 how grateful she is of her mum's support and sacrifice.
“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” she said. “But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths."
“Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal. That’s given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.”
Image credits: Allison Voight/Shutterstock Editorial