How the actor paid tribute weeks before her death

Brad Pitt’s family is grieving the loss of their matriarch, Jane Etta Pitt, who has passed away at the age of 84. Known for her unwavering love for her family, Jane’s death has left a profound void, as revealed by a recent statement.

The heartbreaking news was shared by Pitt’s niece Sydney, daughter of Doug Pitt, in an emotional Instagram post on August 6. “My sweet Grammy, we were not ready for you to go yet but knowing you are finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier,” she wrote. 

“If you knew Grammy, you knew she had the biggest heart. She cared deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked.” Jane, a retired school counselor from Springfield, Missouri, was a central figure of the family.

She and her husband, William Alvin Pitt, raised three children: Brad, Doug, and Julie. Jane’s passing comes just weeks after Brad publicly honored her during a special screening of his film F1. Speaking to Today anchor Savannah Guthrie in June, he said with a smile, “I gotta say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning.” 

© Jon Kopaloff

He looked straight into the camera and added, “To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom,” before blowing a kiss. The sweet gesture aired on Today, where co-hosts shared their admiration for Jane, affectionately calling her a beloved fan of the show.

© Kevin Mazur

Jane joined her son in rare red carpet appearances. She was seen at the 2012 Academy Awards with Brad and his then-wife Angelina Jolie, and again at the 2014 premiere of Jolie’s ‘Unbroken.’ Jane also attended events during Brad’s earlier relationships, including the 1997 premiere of ‘The Devil’s Own’ with Gwyneth Paltrow.

© Marcel Thomas

In 2009, the Pitt siblings made a lasting tribute to their mother by donating $1 million to a children’s hospital in Missouri, naming a newly opened pediatric cancer center after her. The Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center became the first facility in the region to have both a pediatric oncologist and hematologist on staff.

Reflecting on that moment in a 2018 video for WorldServe International, Jane spoke about her children’s efforts to give back. “I’m very proud of all my children. They see a need and try to step in and fill it… It’s an amazing thing.”