Nicole Kidman Plans To Train As Death Doula Following Mother’s Death

Nicole Kidman announced she plans to become a death doula after experiencing profound grief from her mother’s death in May 2024. Speaking at a University of San Francisco event, the iconic actress explained her decision stems from her 84-year-old mother’s loneliness during her final days. “As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide,” Kidman said. She noted that between caring for children, careers, and her mother after her father’s absence, she wished for “people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.” Though admitting the idea sounds “a little weird,” Kidman said the experience sparked interest in supporting others through loss. Death doulas are non-medical companions providing psychosocial, emotional, spiritual and practical care during end-of-life transitions.