Nicole Kidman is mourning the loss of her mother, Janelle, who died last weekend at the age of 84.
In a joint statement released on Thursday with her younger sister, Antonia, the Australian-American actress expressed gratitude to her fans for the overwhelming support her family has received in the wake of her mother’s passing.
“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,” she continued.
“Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other.”
Kidman, 57, learned of her mother’s death shortly after arriving at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Sept. 7. The actress was forced to leave the festival early to return to her family’s home in Sydney, Australia.
Kidman was due to receive the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her new film, “Babygirl,” later that day. The film’s director, Halina Reijn, accepted the award on Kidman’s behalf, reading a statement penned by the Oscar-winning actress.
‘She Gave Me My Life’
Kidman has previously expressed admiration for her mother, acknowledging the profound impact she has had on her life.“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” Kidman explained. “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 continued. ”That’s given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.”
Kidman’s father, Antony, passed away in September 2014 at the age of 75 from a heart attack.
Shortly after her father’s death, the actress shared a joint statement on Facebook with her husband, country singer Keith Urban, thanking fans for their unwavering love and prayers.
“We are all heartbroken,” the couple wrote. “But knowing we are in the hearts and thoughts of others is so comforting.”
Kidman reflected on the loss of her father and her subsequent feelings of grief during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in October of that year.
“And I’m amazed when people reach out, because it’s an awkward thing at times, but to have people go, ‘I’m so sorry for your loss—the power of that, and even a note or anything, which I’ve gotten so much love from people.”
Kidman went on to praise her husband for helping her to navigate and cope with her grief following her difficult loss.
“When you have your partner who just literally carries you through a tough time—he’s been amazing to me,” she said.
Kidman and Urban, who wed in 2006, share two daughters, Sunday, 16, and Faith, 13. The actress also shares two adopted children—Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29—with her ex-husband Tom Cruise.
