Nicole Kidman has spoken out for the first time, a week after announcing the passing of her mother, Janelle.
The 57-year-old Australian actress revealed on Saturday that her cherished mother passed away at 84, just hours before she was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in *Babygirl* at the Venice Film Festival.
On Friday, Nicole and her sister Antonia shared an emotional tribute to their late mother on Instagram, along with several never-before-seen photos of the family matriarch.
In her post, *The Perfect Couple* star expressed gratitude to her millions of fans and supporters for their condolences during this difficult time.
“My sister and I, along with our family, want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we’ve felt this week,” Nicole shared in a joint statement.
“Every message we’ve received from those who loved and admired our mother has meant more to us than we can ever express. From our entire family, thank you for respecting our privacy as we care for one another.”
On Saturday, Nicole announced the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing at the age of 84.
The 57-year-old Australian actress had to leave the Venice Film Festival and return to Sydney to be with her family after receiving the devastating news.
Nicole Kidman (right) has spoken out for the first time, a week after sharing the news of her mother Janelle’s (center) passing. Pictured alongside her sister Antonia Kidman (left).
Nicole’s mother, Janelle, passed away just hours before she was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in *Babygirl* on the final day of the Venice Film Festival.
“Today, I arrived in Venice only to learn shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed,” Nicole shared in a statement, which was read by director Halina Reijn during her acceptance speech.
“I am in shock and need to be with my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, guided me, and made me who I am.
“I’m deeply grateful to be able to say her name through Halina. The collision of life and art is devastating, and my heart is shattered. We love you all.”
On Friday, Nicole shared an emotional tribute to her late mother on Instagram, accompanied by several rare, never-before-seen photos of the family matriarch.
“My sister and I, along with our family, want to express our gratitude for the overwhelming love and kindness we’ve received this week,” Nicole wrote in the joint statement.
In a January 2022 interview on the *Fresh Air* podcast, Nicole briefly discussed her mother’s health issues, having temporarily relocated to Sydney to care for her.
She shared how she had taken Janelle to a private viewing of the *Matisse: Life & Spirit* exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, describing the experience as a “soothing balm” during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’re here mainly to care for my mother and have her surrounded by her grandchildren,” she said.
“Yesterday, despite Omicron spreading through the country, we were fortunate to take her into the gallery after hours to see the Matisse exhibit. For a mother who raised me with the arts, it was a soothing balm. Matisse was a soothing balm last night.”
Nicole had always shared a close bond with her mother, Janelle, frequently speaking about the profound support and influence she had on her career.
Nicole had a profoundly close relationship with her beloved mother, Janelle, frequently acknowledging her support and influence throughout her career. They are pictured together in 2018.
Born in Honolulu and raised in Sydney by Janelle and her psychologist father Antony, who passed away in September 2014, Nicole spent much of her childhood in Sydney after time in the United States.
Nicole, who pursued her acting passion as a teenager, received steadfast support from both her parents as she achieved global fame. They remained deeply involved in her career over the years, with Nicole recently revealing that she continued to seek her mother’s advice.
In November, the *Big Little Lies* star shared that she often consulted her mother for fashion advice, even though she worked with a number of professional stylists.
Following the news of her mother’s passing, Nicole traveled back to Australia to be with her family, including her sister Antonia. They are pictured together in April.
Reflecting their close bond, Nicole shared with *People*: “My mother is still so involved in what I wear.”
Known for her bold fashion choices, Nicole revealed that her passion for clothing was first nurtured by her mother and grandmother.
“I love fashion. I’ve always loved fashion,” she enthused while speaking at the *Planet Omega* pop-up launch in New York.
“I grew up with a grandmother who loved fashion and could sew, and my mother shared the same passion. They adored beautiful clothes and could create them themselves,” Nicole recalled.
“I watched them sew, embroider, knit, and crochet. Growing up with that in your household makes you fall in love with it too.”
Nicole often expressed her deep affection for her mother, including a heartfelt tribute on Janelle’s 82nd birthday last year. On Instagram, she shared a series of photos from a family celebration with Janelle and wrote a touching caption.
“Happy birthday, Mumma. You are so loved by all of us,” Nicole wrote.
She also sent birthday wishes to her mother from the Oscars red carpet in Los Angeles with her husband, Keith Urban.
“It’s my mum’s birthday today. Happy birthday, Mama. We love you so much,” Nicole said to the camera.
“We had a party for her when we were back in Sydney. She is the heartbeat of our family, so we love you, Mama.”
In a May 2020 interview with *The Sydney Morning Herald*, Nicole talked about missing her mother while living abroad in the United States.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald in May 2020, Nicole spoke about missing her mother while living abroad in the United States
Nicole shared a similarly strong bond with her father, Antony, and was deeply affected by his death from a heart attack in September 2014, at the age of 75 (they are pictured in 2005).
“I would love to have a cup of tea with Mum, sit on the balcony, and talk about life, asking her what I should be doing,” she reflected at the time.
The Oscar-winning actress had a close relationship with Antony and was devastated by his sudden passing. She previously revealed that his unexpected death, along with several other losses, had a profound impact on her.
“I’ve experienced death as something very sudden. I haven’t had the experience of caring for someone through a prolonged illness; people have just been taken from me,” she told *The Sydney Morning Herald* in 2020.
“I’ve faced it repeatedly, and I almost fear saying it because I’m terrified it will happen again. I still carry a lot of fear about that.”
The Oscar-winning actress previously shared that her father’s sudden death, along with a series of other losses, had a profound impact on her. Pictured (L-R) Antony Kidman, Nicole Kidman, and Janelle Kidman in 2003.
