Nicole Kidman Training as Death Doula After Losing Mother

Actress finds inspiration in end-of-life care after witnessing her mother's passing

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:48am by

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic death doula object like a candle or prayer beads repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the modern pop art aesthetic of everyday end-of-life items.The growing popularity of death doulas reflects a desire to provide more compassionate support during the final stages of life.San Francisco Today

After the death of her mother in 2024, actress Nicole Kidman has decided to train as a death doula to provide compassionate support to those facing the end of life. Kidman was inspired by the lack of support her mother received during her final days and wants to help fill that gap in end-of-life care. She is not the only celebrity to pursue this path, as filmmakers Chloe Zhao and Riley Keough have also completed death doula training for personal reasons.

Why it matters

Kidman's decision to become a death doula shines a light on the important role these caregivers can play in providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to the dying and their loved ones. As more people become aware of death doulas, it could help normalize discussions around mortality and encourage better end-of-life planning.

The details

After her mother Janelle Anne Kidman passed away at age 84 in 2024, Nicole Kidman realized there was a lack of support and companionship for the dying. She discovered the role of death doulas, non-medical caregivers who provide holistic support throughout the dying process. Kidman has now decided to train as a death doula herself, inspired by her mother's lonely final days and the desire to help others facing the end of life.

  • Janelle Anne Kidman passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84.
  • Nicole Kidman recently revealed her plans to train as a death doula at a speaking event in San Francisco.

The players

Nicole Kidman

An acclaimed actress and producer who has decided to train as a death doula after the passing of her mother.

Janelle Anne Kidman

Nicole Kidman's mother, who passed away at the age of 84 in 2024, inspiring her daughter's decision to become a death doula.

Chloe Zhao

A filmmaker who has also completed death doula training, motivated by a desire to develop a healthier relationship with death.

Riley Keough

An actress and granddaughter of Elvis Presley, who completed death doula training after the death of her brother.

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What they’re saying

“As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide. 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.'”

— Nicole Kidman

“I have been terrified of death my whole life. I still am. And because I've been so afraid I haven't been able to live fully. And because I'm so scared of it, I have no choice but to start to develop a healthier relationship with it, or the second half of life would be too hard.”

— Chloe Zhao, Filmmaker

“I think it's so important to be educated on conscious dying and death the way we educate ourselves on birth and conscious birthing. We prepare ourselves so rigorously for the entrance and have no preparation for our exit. So I'm so grateful for this community and to be able to contribute what I can.”

— Riley Keough, Actress

What’s next

Kidman plans to continue her death doula training and begin providing support to those facing the end of life.

The takeaway

Nicole Kidman's decision to become a death doula after the loss of her mother highlights the growing awareness and importance of these compassionate caregivers who can provide much-needed support during the dying process. Her story may inspire others to consider this meaningful path of service.