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Jane Etta Pitt, the mother of Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt, has died at the age of 84. Her passing was confirmed by her granddaughter Sydney Pitt on August 6 through a heartfelt Instagram tribute that offered a glimpse into the quiet strength and vibrant spirit of the family's matriarch.
Sydney described Jane Etta as "the biggest heart," a woman who embodied compassion, creativity, and faith. "We weren't ready for you to go yet," she wrote. "But knowing you're finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier." The tribute was accompanied by a series of family photos that captured Jane in moments of joy, surrounded by the people she loved most.
Despite being the mother of one of Hollywood's most recognized faces, Jane Etta largely lived outside the public eye. She worked as a school counselor and remained deeply connected to her Springfield, Missouri roots. To her 14 grandchildren, she was not a celebrity's mother but a guiding light. "She made up the silliest games just to make us laugh," Sydney shared. "She taught us to love Jesus through everything and to find joy in the smallest things."
Jane was known for giving each grandchild a dedicated "special day" before school started each year, Sydney's typically included banana splits for breakfast, mini-golf, crafting sessions, and late-night movie marathons. "She could keep up with all 14 of us without missing a beat," Sydney wrote. "There was no limit to the love she gave."
The cause and exact date of Jane's passing have not been publicly disclosed, though sources close to the family confirmed she died earlier this week. She is survived by her husband William Alvin Pitt, her three children, Brad, Doug, and Julie, as well as her grandchildren, including Brad's six children with actress Angelina Jolie.
