Jane Etta Pitt Dies At Age 84

Brad Pitt is mourning the loss of his mom, Jane Etta Pitt, who died at the age of 84. In an emotional tribute, in which she praised her grandmother for her endless love, strength, and compassion, the actor's niece, Sydney Pitt, revealed the news in a public statement. While not a national celebrity, to her family and friends, Jane Etta was an icon, a guiding light, an artist, a wisdom keeper, and a faith leader.

Jane is most remembered for her kind heart and nurturing soul, which she generously extended over the years to her family, community, and, above all, to her granddaughter, Sydney. On August 6, Sydney simply stated, "My sweet Grammy, Jane Etta, we were not ready for you to go yet." Words that were surrounded by precious family photos of Jane smiling her infectious smile and grinning face. It's easier when we know you are free to sing & dance & paint the moment you are ready.

Read More: Designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra Found Dead On Yacht At Elite Marina

Sydney's homage to Jane is clear evidence that Brad Pitt, who has so far not spoken out about her death, was right in saying she was "the hub of the wheel" for the Pitts. Jane was a grand and maternal figure, but she was soft-spoken yet possessed of great moral integrity. She did not leverage her fame to teach lessons, but rather through action, painting, and storytelling, as well as how to be kinder and more gracious in life. "She taught me how to paint, how to be strong, how to lead with kindness, to love Jesus through everything, and to find joy in the smallest things," Sydney said. "She made up the silliest games just to make us laugh, and she believed in fairness, in putting others first, and doing good simply because it was the right thing to do."

In addition to a well-known son, Jane Etta Pitt is survived by an inspiring testimony of integrity, creativity, and steadfast faith. At the same time, her passing represents an even greater personal loss for the Pitt family, one not celebrated on red carpets but through the steady resolve of a wife and mother who instilled in her family all of her values and love. Hollywood sends condolences, but to those she was closest to as Jane, not Brad Pitt's mother or Grammy, a woman who made the world a kinder place.