Jennifer Aniston lost her mother this week. Much like Angelina Jolie and her mostly estranged relationship with her father, Jennifer Aniston has also had parental issues for years. When Jennifer first got really famous with Friends, her mother Nancy Dow wrote a book about her and basically tried to get famous off of her daughter’s success. Aniston cut off contact with her mom for years, but they eventually, tenuously reconnected.
If you read the tabloids, you might have read that Nancy has not been doing well in the past few years. She was in and out of hospitals and hospices, and the tabloids always made a big deal about how Jennifer “abandoned” her sick mother. Then In Touch Weekly sent out a story yesterday about how Jennifer finally visited her mom on May 12, and it was the first time they saw each other in “nearly five years.” Sources claimed that Jennifer “wanted to see her mother one last time before she passes” and that “Jen’s already said her goodbyes.” Well, it was confirmed just hours after that story came out that Nancy Dow had passed.
Jennifer Aniston has announced the death of her mother, Nancy Dow.
“It is with great sadness that my brother John and I announce the passing of our Mother Nancy Dow. She was 79 years old and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after enduring a long illness,” Aniston, 47, tells PEOPLE in a statement. “We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve our loss.”
Dow suffered a stroke in 2011 followed by a second stroke a year later, according to multiple reports. The mother of two was married to Jack Melick from 1956 -1961 and soap star John Aniston from 1965-1980. Jennifer’s parents divorced when she was 9 years old.
“No matter how complicated and difficult the relationship between Nancy and Jennifer may have been, it is heartbreaking for any daughter to lose her mother,” a source close to the family tells PEOPLE. “Nancy fought a very long battle, with many ups and downs, and Jennifer is grateful for the happy times they shared. She is pulling close to her husband and family and feels so supported by their love.”
I kind of doubt that Jennifer was there when her mom passed, which is none of my business and besides, I totally understand that there was a long-standing rift between them. I would imagine that Jennifer is feeling lots of emotions and I hope she gives herself some time to reflect and mourn. Our thoughts go out to her at this difficult time.
Jennifer Aniston's mother Nancy Dow has passed away at age 79: https://t.co/5HRMaitfUo pic.twitter.com/Hv15sNzikP
— E! News (@enews) May 26, 2016
Photos courtesy of WENN.
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