Nicole Kidman breaks silence after mum Janelle’s death

A week after her mother Janelle’s death, Nicole Kidman has shared her grief in a heartfelt tribute featuring never before seen family images.

Nicole Kidman has broken her silence a week after announcing the death of her mother, Janelle, in a moving tribute.

The Perfect Family star and her sister Antonia shared several private photos in a heartfelt message posted to Instagram on Friday.

“My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” Nicole, 57, said in the joint statement.
“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.”

Nicole Kidman has broken her silence a week after announcing the death of her mother, Janelle, in a moving tribute with private photos on Friday. Picture: @nicolekidman/Instagram

Nicole Kidman’s mother Janelle, who died suddenly aged 83. Picture: @nicolekidman on Instagram

Nicole Kidman and her sister Antonia shared several private photos in a heartfelt message in tribute to their mother, Janelle, who died. Picture: @nicolekidman/Instagram

Kidman abruptly left the Venice Film Festival following the tragic death of her mother, at the age of 83.

The Australian star had only just arrived at the festival to receive her award for Best Actress for her performance in Babygirl, but left to join extended family in Sydney following her mother’s sudden death.

Kidman’s devastated younger sister, Antonia, was pictured outside their mother’s Greenwich home, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, hours after the star’s shock announcement, which was read out to a packed audience in Venice by Babygirl director Halina Reijn.

Nicole Kidman at the recent premiere of Netflix's The Perfect Couple in Los Angeles. Picture: AFP

Antonia Kidman hugs a friend outside her mother’s home in Greenwich. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Antonia Kidman after her mother’s tragic death was announced. Picture: Thomas Lisson

The Aussie star’s beloved mother, Janelle, has died.

The statement read: “Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed. I am 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.”

It continued: “I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all.”

Kidman had revealed her mother was ill in January 2022, and regularly visited her in Sydney, but did not provide any other information at the time.

Nicole Kidman with her mother Janelle the night before her wedding to Keith Urban in 2006.

Janelle Kidman with daughter Nicole and granddaughter Lucia Hawley, the daughter of Antonia Kidman, at the 2018 AACTA Awards. Picture: Getty Images

Janelle Kidman was her superstar daughter’s biggest supporter.

Kidman paid tribute to her mother earlier this year when she became the first Australian to be honoured with the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.

The emotional star told the audience that Janelle had not been able to join her due to ill health.

“My mama is not here, but she sent me a card and I was weeping,” Kidman said in her speech.

“So this is for her, she’s been there through all of it since I was a little girl crying on the bed, going, ‘Mama, they didn’t want me, I’m not pretty enough, I’m too tall, I’m covered in freckles, I’m this, I’m that.’

“And she’s always cheered me on, so this is for her.”

Janelle Kidman and husband Dr Anthony Kidman, who died in 2014, were both incredibly close to daughters Nicole and Antonia.

Oscar-winning star Nicole has previously told how her mother was a driving force in her career, always pushing her to focus on herself.

Originally published as Nicole Kidman breaks silence after mum Janelle’s death