Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed actress, recently opened up about the profound impact of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman’s, final words before her passing in September. During an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Kidman revealed that her mother’s last words to her were, “Maybe wait a minute because I think you just need to take care of yourself right now, Nicky.” These words, initially meant to advise Kidman against rushing to see her, have taken on a deeper significance, resonating with the actress and prompting her to prioritize self-care. Kidman acknowledged the tendency, particularly among women, to neglect their own well-being and emphasized the importance of her mother’s message. She further recalled her grandmother’s final words, “Be happy,” highlighting the simple yet powerful wisdom passed down through generations of women in her family. These parting messages from two pivotal figures in her life have become guiding principles for Kidman as she navigates her own journey.
The timing of Janelle’s passing was particularly poignant, coinciding with Kidman’s arrival at the Venice International Film Festival. Shortly after landing, Kidman learned of her mother’s death, a devastating blow that cast a shadow over her professional triumph. Despite the immense grief, Kidman accepted the Best Actress award for her role in “Babygirl,” dedicating it to her mother. In a statement read on her behalf by the film’s director, Halina Reijn, Kidman expressed her shock and heartbreak, acknowledging the profound influence her mother had on shaping her life and career. The collision of life and art, as Kidman eloquently phrased it, was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and memory.
In the weeks following her mother’s passing, Kidman and her sister, Antonia, released a joint statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and fans. They acknowledged the comfort they derived from the countless messages of love and admiration for their mother, emphasizing the profound impact these expressions of sympathy had on their grieving process. The sisters requested privacy as they navigated their loss as a family, emphasizing the need to support one another during this difficult time.
Months after her mother’s death, Kidman still grapples with the profound sense of loss. At the premiere of “Lioness” season 2, she admitted that the grieving process had been challenging, describing it as a “hard road.” While acknowledging her professional successes, Kidman expressed a deep longing for her mother’s presence, emphasizing that her career achievements felt bittersweet without her mother to share them with. This sentiment underscores the enduring bond between mother and daughter and the irreplaceable void left by a loved one’s passing.
Kidman’s commitment to self-care, inspired by her mother’s final words, becomes even more significant in the context of her role as a mother of four. With two adult children from her previous marriage to Tom Cruise and two teenage daughters with her husband, Keith Urban, Kidman recognizes the importance of prioritizing her own well-being to be present for her children, especially as an older mother. This commitment reflects the cyclical nature of care, with Kidman now echoing the sentiment expressed by her mother, emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself to nurture others.
The profound impact of Janelle Kidman’s final words extends beyond personal self-care; it resonates with a broader message of prioritizing well-being, particularly for women. Kidman’s willingness to share this intimate message serves as a reminder to others to prioritize their own health and happiness, echoing the simple yet profound wisdom passed down through generations. Her mother’s words, “Take care of yourself,” have become a mantra for Kidman, a guiding principle that she now shares with the world, encouraging others to embrace the importance of self-care in navigating the complexities of life. This message, amplified by Kidman’s platform, carries a profound resonance, promoting a culture of self-compassion and well-being.
