Nicole Kidman has spoken for the first time about her mother’s death, describing it as one of the most painful experiences of her life.

In a recent interview with Hoda Kotb at HISTORYTalks in Philadelphia, the 58-year-old actress revealed that while she was at a career high, her personal life was struck by tragedy after learning her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had passed away just moments before she was set to take the stage at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where she was to receive the Best Actress award for Babygirl.

"I was about to go onstage and I found out my mother had died and I went right back to the room in Venice, got into bed and was completely devastated and thought, 'I do not know how I'm gonna move forward or function now, '" Nicole said.

Speaking to the audience, she shared that her mother meant everything to her, and the news of her passing felt surreal .

The Big Little Lies star recalled how she wanted to leave Venice immediately to be with her grieving family and share the profound loss, but it wasn’t that simple.

"I remember getting into a boat in the canal, literally at night, trying to find my way to the airport, and then turning around going, 'I can’t even do this,'" she continued.

Reflecting on the duality of life, Nicole explained, "Then I went back to bed. And I was alone. My husband wasn’t there, my children weren’t there. I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life."

The Eyes Wide Shut actress noted that the traumatic moment reminded her of her resilience and survival instincts, adding, "Don’t ever let anyone break your spirit."

Gushing over her late mother’s qualities as a parent and partner, Nicole remarked, "She raised us, supported my father, helped him get his PhD. She basically gave to her family and didn’t have the career that she would’ve loved to have had. She was exceptionally smart."

When did Nicole Kidman’s mother die?

Nicole Kidman’s mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84.