Nicole Kidman Announces Plans to Train as Death Doula After Mother's Death
Nicole Kidman stated she plans to train as a death doula following the death of her mother in September 2024. She explained that her mother's loneliness in her final days inspired this decision, as family members were limited in the support they could provide. Death doulas are non-medical professionals who offer solace and care to those facing death and loss.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewThis decision stems from her experiences during her mother's final days in September 2024. Kidman shared these thoughts in a recent interview, highlighting the challenges her family faced in providing adequate support.
Kidman noted that her mother experienced loneliness as she passed away. Family obligations, including careers and responsibilities for multiple children, restricted the time and attention they could offer. Her father had died earlier in September 2014, leaving the family to manage without his presence.
In her mother's final moments, Kidman wished for impartial individuals who could provide ongoing solace and care. Death doulas, as defined by the International End-of-Life Doula Association, are non-medical professionals who assist people navigating death, loss, and mortality. Kidman stated that learning this role is something she plans to undertake.
The announcement comes amid Kidman's reflections on grief.
When her mother died at age 84, Kidman was in Italy attending the Venice Film Festival, where she accepted a best actress award for her role in Babygirl. She issued a statement at the time expressing shock and the need to return to her family. Kidman described her heart as broken following the loss, crediting her mother with shaping and guiding her life.
Three months later, in a December 2024 interview on CBS Sunday Morning, she recounted her final conversation with her mother. In that exchange, her mother advised her to prioritize self-care before traveling back. At the time of her mother's death, Kidman was married to Keith Urban, a country singer.
The couple, who had been married for 19 years and shared two daughters, divorced the following year. The divorce settlement in January awarded Kidman primary residential custody of their daughters, aged 17 and 15, with Urban receiving visitation every other weekend.
acknowledged that pursuing this path might sound unusual but described it as part of her personal expansion.
Death doulas provide emotional and practical support without medical intervention, focusing on comfort during end-of-life processes. This role has gained attention as families seek additional resources beyond traditional care. The International End-of-Life Doula Association outlines that these professionals help with planning, emotional guidance, and legacy creation.
Kidman's interest reflects a broader trend in end-of-life care, where non-clinical support complements medical services. Her public sharing may raise awareness about such options for others facing similar family situations.
career includes notable roles in films like Big Little Lies, for which she received acclaim.
Her decision to explore death doula training adds a new dimension to her professional pursuits. While specific training details were not provided, this move underscores her commitment to addressing gaps in end-of-life support observed in her own family. Families affected by terminal illness or aging parents may find increased visibility for death doula services beneficial.
The story highlights the intersection of personal loss and professional growth in the entertainment industry.
