Nicole Kidman Thanks Fans for the 'Love and Kindness' Her Family Has Received Since Her Mom's Death
Kidman missed screenings of her film 'Babygirl' in Venice and Toronto to be with her family
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Nicole Kidman, September 2023Nicole Kidman is thankful for the support she’s received after the death of her mother.
The news of the Babygirl actress’ beloved mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had died was shared by the film’s director Halina Reijn, 48, at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, when Reijn shared that Kidman, 57, left early due to a family emergency. Kidman was also absent during the film's North American premiere in Toronto on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
“My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” Kidman began in a statement via Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 12.
“Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ??,” she concluded.
Her tribute included three photos of her mother. The first was a solo portrait of a much younger Janelle. The two photos that followed were family pictures in which both Kidman and her sister Antonia Kidman appeared.
Those close to the star expressed their condolences in the comment section.
Lily Rabe and Rose Byrne each left heart emojis.
“My deepest condolences to you and the family. I am blessed to have been in her presence. Rest in power,” Lenny Kravitz wrote. "I am so sorry for your loss Nicole. Sending blessings to you and your family ??," Michelle Pfeiffer wrote.
"Sending so much love to you both. So sorry for your loss. Your wonderfully spirited mum will be missed by so many," Naomi Watts wrote. "Hopefully she is now peacefully reunited with your papa xxx love you."
Allison Voight/SplashNews
Nicole Kidman and mom Janelle Kidman, 2018In Reijn’s statement on Saturday, which was read aloud on Kidman's behalf during what would have been the star's acceptance speech for best actress for her role in Babygirl, the director shared that Kidman had flown in to Venice, only to find out "shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed."
"I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina," the statement continued. "The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken."
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A rep for Kidman also confirmed Janelle's death to PEOPLE, adding that "the family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time."
Kidman opened up about how her mother shaped her career in a 2020 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” Kidman 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," she added. "That’s given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.”
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