Latest news with #OklahomaBaptistUniversity


Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Brad Pitt paid tribute to his mother weeks before her death
Brad Pitt paid tribute to his mother weeks before her death. The F1 actor was left devastated by the passing of his retired school counsellor mum Jane Etta Pitt aged 84 on Wednesday (06.08.25). It's now emerged her A-lister son Brad, 61, publicly expressed his affection for her during an interview on the Today show in June, while promoting his new film F1. Speaking to anchor Savannah Guthrie, he beamed as he addressed his mother directly. 'I've got to say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning,' Brad said, before waving to the camera with a wide smile. He then added, 'To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom,' and blew a kiss. Jane was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1940, and later became an elementary school teacher. She met her husband William Alvin Pitt while they were both students at Oklahoma Baptist University. The couple raised three children – Brad, Doug and Julie – in Springfield, Missouri, where Jane worked as a school counsellor. An obituary obtained by the Springfield News-Leader described Jane's early life and her dedication to her family. Along with Brad, she is survived by William, 85, their two other children, and 14 grandchildren. In the same Today interview, Brad said: 'It's hilarious because she always gets painted in the tabloids as a she-devil, but there's not an ounce of malice in her.' He went on to say: 'She's very open, genuine and wants everyone to be happy.' Sydney Pitt, 24, Jane's granddaughter and the daughter of Brad's younger brother Doug Pitt, confirmed her grandmother's passing in a post shared on social media. '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,' Sydney wrote. She added: 'If you knew Grammy, you knew she had the biggest heart. She cared deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked. '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. '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. 'There was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it. 'I don't know how we move forward without her. But I know she's still here in every brushstroke, every kind gesture, every hummingbird. She was love in its purest form.'


NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Brad Pitt's Mother Jane Pitt Dies At 84. Family Says, "We Were Not Ready For You To Go Yet"
New Delhi: Brad Pitt's mother Jane Pitt has died. She was 84. The cause of her death is still not disclosed. The news of her death was confirmed by one of her grandaduaghters Sydney Pitt. She paid an emotional tribute to her through an Instagram post. What's Happening Sydney Pitt (daughter of Doug) shared a string of throwback images of Jane Pitt. The pictures capture her life, work and her liveliness. An excerpt from her long note read, "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. 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." "She could keep up with all 14 of us grandkids without missing a beat. There was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it," wrote Sydney. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Pitt (@pidney) Jane Etta Hillhouse married William Alvin Pitt in 1962, after meeting at Oklahoma Baptist University. Brad was born the following year, the oldest of three children, and they were raised in Tulsa and later Springfield, Missouri. Jane is survived by her husband, William, and two other children, Doug and Julie along with Brad. Till now, Brad Pitt has not issued any statement after his mother's death. Jane was seen supporting her son on his films' red carpets and screenings over the years. Jane attended the Oscars in 2012 and Pitt's then-wife Angelina Jolie's film premiere for Unbroken in 2014. At a special screening of his latest film F1 in June, Pitt gave a shout-out to his mom while telling anchor Savannah Guthrie that she watched the Today show on a daily basis. "I gotta say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning," he told Guthrie. "To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom," the actor added, waving and blowing a kiss in the video clip shared by Today. In a video for WorldServe International from 2018, Jane shared her pride in her kids for their philanthropic work. "I'm very proud of all my children. They see a need and try to step in and fill it," she said at the time. "... It's an amazing thing," reported People. In A Nutshell Brad Pitt's mother Jane Pitt has died at 84. She was seen cheering for her son at his films' screenings.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt's Mom Jane Etta Pitt Dead At 84
Brad Pitt's Mom Jane Etta Pitt Dead At 84 originally appeared on Parade. Brad Pitt is mourning the loss of his mother, Jane Etta Pitt, who has passed away at the age of 84. Sources close to the family confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday, August 6, that Jane died within the past couple of days. One of Jane's granddaughters, Sidney Pitt, also posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. 'My sweet Grammy, Jane Etta, 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.,' Sidney began her caption. She elaborated on how her 'Grammy' taught her strength, how to paint, and kindness. She told childhood stories, and how her grandmother believed in 'doing good simply because it was the right thing to do.' Brad, 60, was said to be especially tight with his mother, often crediting her as the emotional cornerstone of their family. Jane worked as a family counselor and generally stayed out of the public eye, though she did attend several red carpets along with Brad's father, William Pitt, to support her son throughout his career. Jane shared a decades-long love story with her husband that began at Oklahoma Baptist University, where the two first met, according to PEOPLE. They tied the knot in 1962 and welcomed Brad soon after. The young family eventually moved from Oklahoma to Tulsa before settling in Springfield, Missouri — the city where Brad and his younger siblings, Doug and Julie, would grow up. In addition to her husband and three children, Jane also leaves behind 14 grandchildren. At this time, her cause of death is unknown. Brad Pitt's Mom Jane Etta Pitt Dead At 84 first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword


Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Who was Jane Etta Pitt? A look at Brad Pitt's late Mother's life
Jane Etta Pitt, the mother of Hollywood icon Brad Pitt, was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by her dedication to family, education, and philanthropy. Born on June 13, 1940, and passing away at the age of 84 in August 2025, Jane left an indelible mark on her family and community. While she was known to many as the mother of an Oscar-winning actor, her legacy extends far beyond her son's fame. This article explores Jane Etta Pitt's early life and career, shedding light on the woman who shaped one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Early Life and Background Jane Etta Hillhouse was born in 1940 and raised in a close-knit family that emphasized education and moral values. Growing up, she was instilled with a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic, traits that would define her life. She attended the University of Missouri, where she pursued a degree in teaching, developing a passion for education that would guide her career. It was at Oklahoma Baptist University that she met William Alvin Pitt, whom she married in 1962. The couple welcomed their first child, William Bradley Pitt—known to the world as Brad Pitt—in 1963, followed by two more children, Doug and Julie. The Pitt family initially lived in Shawnee, Oklahoma, before relocating to Tulsa and eventually settling in Springfield, Missouri. This rural setting, surrounded by cornfields and the scenic Ozark Mountains, provided a grounded upbringing for Jane's children. Her commitment to family and community laid the foundation for the values she passed on to her children, including resilience, kindness, and a dedication to helping others. Career as an Educator and Counselor Jane Etta Pitt dedicated much of her professional life to education, working as a school counselor and teacher. Her career was marked by an unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering their development. Known for her innovative teaching methods, Jane inspired countless students in her community. Her work as a family counselor further showcased her compassion, as she helped guide families through challenges with empathy and wisdom. Legacy and Passing Jane Etta Pitt passed away at the age of 84, with her death confirmed by sources close to the family and a heartfelt Instagram post by her granddaughter Sydney on August 6, 2025. Her passing was mourned by family, friends, and the Springfield community, where she had lived for decades. Tributes poured in, celebrating her as a woman of 'quiet strength' and 'love in its purest form.' Jane's legacy lives on through her family, her contributions to education, and her philanthropic work. The Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center remains a testament to her commitment to improving lives, and her influence continues to inspire her children and grandchildren to pursue meaningful causes. Brad Pitt, now 60, has spoken often of his mother's role as the emotional cornerstone of their family, a sentiment echoed by those who knew her. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt's Moms Dies At 84 Amid Estrangement From His Kids
Brad Pitt's troubles have doubled with the recent loss of his beloved mother, Jane Etta Pitt. The matriarch of the Pitt family has taken her final breath at 84 after living a full life as a mother and former school counselor. She welcomed three children with her husband, William Alvin Pitt, with the actor being the oldest. Brad Pitt's heartbreaking loss comes amid a years-long estrangement from his children, who took his ex-wife Angelina Jolie's side during their tumultuous divorce. The former spouses are currently butting heads over their French winery, Chateau Miraval. Brad Pitt's Mom Passed Away In The Last Day Or Two According to sources, Brad's mom passed away in the last day or two at 84. A member of the Pitt family also confirmed the news in a poignant post on Instagram, per TMZ. Jane shared a close bond with her famous son and made a few red carpet appearances with him alongside her husband William. The outlet described Jane as the glue that held the Pitt family together, noting she was famous for resolving a huge fight between her loved ones five years ago. Brad's mother was a school counselor while her husband ran a trucking company. PEOPLE reported that William and Jane met at Oklahoma Baptist University and tied the knot in 1962. Their oldest son, Brad, was born a year later, while their second son, Doug, arrived in 1966. Three years later, the lovebirds welcomed their third child, a daughter named Julie. More About The 'F1' Star's Family Although Brad came from humble beginnings, he never forgot his roots and frequently hailed his parents for molding him into the star he is today. In a 2019 interview, he recalled how his father preached the "be-capable, be-strong" attitude that shaped his life. "He had grown up in extreme hardship and poverty, always dead set on giving me a better life than he had — and he did it. But he came from that stoic ilk," Brad said about his father. He shared similar praises eight years prior, raving about William's work ethic. "My dad worked five and a half, six days a week [as a trucking company executive], and then he would take us fishing. He'd do that all weekend, then start work again," the TV personality said. "I have immense appreciation for that now that I'm a parent, knowing what you have to do to carve out time for your kids." The Entertainer's Children Are Standing By Angelina Jolie's Side Brad's estrangement from his children reportedly worsened over the French winery lawsuit, with a source claiming the kids supported Jolie. "They see it as an attack on their mother, and they're siding with her," the source alleged. The Chateau Miraval legal drama stemmed from Jolie's sale of her stake in the winery to a third party in 2021. Pitt argued that the deal was done without his consent, stressing that he was speaking to Jolie about her share before she went behind his back. Although his fight for the winery has negatively impacted his relationship with his children, Brad hoped he could fix the broken bridges between them someday, especially his youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne. Brad Pitt Has Not Given Up On Reconciling With His Children The Blast shared that a source claimed Brad was "desperate" to be reunited with the twins. He allegedly hoped they would be willing to give him a chance, even though he understood they wanted nothing to do with him. They claimed Brad was "totally devastated" when "Vivienne dropped Pitt from her name." They claimed the move sent a clear message to him; however, he refused to give up on reconciling with the twins since Knox kept his Jolie-Pitt surname. Pitt and Jolie parted ways in 2016 following a private jet incident that allegedly saw the actor hitting the actress and their children. Their divorce soon spiralled into a nasty custody battle, with some of the Jolie-Pitt kids ditching their father's last name. The Hollywood Veteran Is Clashing With Ex-Wife Over French Winery Brad's loss comes a month after he and his ex-wife, Jolie, made waves for their differences over their French winery, Chateau Miraval. The Blast covered the drama, reporting that a source claimed "The Eternals" actress was gearing up for another lengthy court battle with her former beau. "She's said she'll fight this to the bitter end if she has to. But there's no doubt – it's taking a toll," the source said. They claimed Jolie shared her worries with a close pal, confessing she was "tired, stressed, and emotionally exhausted." According to the source, Jolie suspected Brad was seeking revenge with the lawsuit; however, another source begged to differ. This insider argued the actor was protecting his stake in Chateau Miraval despite losing his relationship with his children over the legal drama. Will the death of Brad Pitt's mom earn him sympathy from his estranged children? Solve the daily Crossword