When Nicole Kidman revealed she is training to become a death doula, she sparked curiosity about a role that, until recently, many Australians had never heard of.
The Oscar-winning actress said the decision was deeply personal. After caring for her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in her final days in 2024, she realised something was missing – not medical care, but emotional support.
Speaking at a public event in the United States, Kidman admitted the idea “may sound a little weird”, but explained it came from a place of compassion. She and her sister Antonia did everything they could, but with busy lives and families, they couldn’t always be there in the way they wanted.
“It made me wish there were people whose role was simply to sit with someone, to provide comfort and presence,” she said.
That role already exists – and it’s growing rapidly in Australia.
Death doulas, sometimes called end-of-life doulas, are non-medical professionals who support people in the final stages of life. Their role is not to replace doctors, nurses or palliative care teams, but to complement them.
In recent years, demand for these services has increased across Australia as more people look for personalised, compassionate approaches to dying – similar to the way birth doulas support families bringing new life into the world.
Death doulas may help individuals and families in a number of ways. This can include sitting with someone in their final days, helping facilitate difficult conversations, assisting with legacy projects such as letters or memory books, and guiding families through what to expect as death approaches.
They also often provide support after death, helping loved ones process grief or navigate practical next steps.
For many families, it’s about having someone present who is calm, experienced and focused entirely on comfort – both emotional and psychological.
The rise of death doulas reflects a broader shift in how Australians think about death and dying.
With an ageing population and more people wanting to remain at home rather than in hospital, there is increasing interest in end-of-life care that feels more personal and less clinical.
At the same time, families are often juggling work, children and other responsibilities, making it difficult to provide constant care on their own.
Death doulas can help bridge that gap.
They also play a role in normalising conversations around death – something that has historically been avoided. By encouraging open discussion, they can help people feel more prepared and less fearful about the end of life.
Training programs and professional associations for death doulas have expanded in Australia over the past few years, reflecting this growing awareness. While the industry is still relatively new compared to more established healthcare roles, it is becoming an increasingly recognised part of the broader care landscape.
Kidman is not the only high-profile figure drawn to this work. Actress Riley Keough previously spoke about training as a death doula after the loss of her brother, describing it as a way to turn grief into something meaningful.
For many who enter the field, that sense of purpose is central.
Death doulas often describe their work as being about presence rather than action – sitting with someone, listening, and ensuring they do not feel alone.
It’s a simple idea, but one that can have a profound impact.
Kidman’s decision to pursue this path has brought fresh attention to a role that is quietly reshaping end-of-life care.
While it may not be for everyone, the growing interest suggests more Australians are open to rethinking how we support one another in life’s final chapter.
At its core, the rise of death doulas speaks to something deeply human — the desire for dignity, connection and comfort at the end of life.
And as awareness grows, it’s likely more families will begin to explore what that kind of support could look like for them.