Nicole Kidman has shared that she's learning to become a death doula
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The actress explained during a talk on Saturday, April 11, that she had the idea after her mother died aged 84 in 2024
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"As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide," she explained
Nicole Kidmanhas a new career in mind.
The actress, 58, shared that she's learning to become a death doula during a talk at the University of San Francisco's War Memorial Gym on Saturday, April 11,theSan Francisco Chroniclereported.
Speaking to investigative journalist and USF graduate Vicky Nguyen as part of the school's Silk Speaker Series, she explained that the idea "may sound a little weird," but that her plans first came about after her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman,died aged 84in September 2024.
"As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide," Kidman told attendees, via theChronicle. TheHollandactresshas four children, while her younger sisterAntonia Kidman, 55, has six.
She continued, "Between my sister and I, we have so many children and our careers and our work, and wanting to take care of her because my father wasn't in the world anymore, and that's when I went, ‘I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.' "
"So that's part of my expansion and one of the things I will be learning."
Death doulas, also known as end-of-life doulas, provide support to people and their loved ones toward the end of life. Per theInternational End-of-Life Doula Association, "An end-of-life doula advocates self-determination and imparts psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process."
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Kidman, meanwhile, has often discussed the grief she felt after losing both her mom and her dad,Dr. Antony Kidman, who died in 2014.
A month after losing her mom, Kidmandescribed her as a "compass"and a "major guide" in her life, while she said shortly after that she would sometimeswake up "crying and gasping"amid the loss of both parents.
She learned of her mother's death while at theVenice Film Festivalahead of an appearance for her filmBabygirlandleft early to be with her family.
At the time, the film's director, Halina Reijn, read a letter on Kidman's behalf during what would have been her acceptance speech for best actress.
In the letter, Kidman stated that she traveled to Venice to learn "shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed."
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In March 2025, shepaid tribute to her momon what would have been her 85th birthday. “Missing Mumma and Papa so much on what would have been her birthday today,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of her parents smiling together, adding a red heart emoji. Shepaid tribute again a year later, writing, "Remembering my Mumma on her birthday. Always in my heart."
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