Nicole Kidman Trains as Death Doula After Mother's Death

Actress Nicole Kidman announced her training to become a death doula, a role focused on providing support during end-of-life care. This personal journey began after her mother passed away in 2024, a period where Kidman felt her family could not offer the desired level of comfort.

Death doulas, an ancient practice that re-emerged in the early 2000s, act as community partners offering support to the dying. They fill gaps where medical and funeral professionals may not be able to provide impartial solace and care, serving as neutral third-parties between families and caregivers.

Historically, dying was a more communal process. However, with the professionalization of death care in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, families were often sidelined. Death doulas and similar roles aim to reintroduce a more supportive, less medicalized approach to death and dying.

These end-of-life companions, also called soul guides or vigilers, can specialize in various areas, from administrative tasks like advanced care planning to bedside support or funeral arrangements. Their practice is as unique as each individual's dying process, offering a vital, compassionate presence.