Brad Pitt honored his mom Jane Etta Pitt on air weeks before her death: 'Not an ounce of malice in her'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brad Pitt’s emotional tribute to his mother during a recent national TV appearance has taken on deeper meaning in light of her passing.

Jane Etta Pitt, the beloved mother of the Oscar-winning actor, died on Wednesday, August 6, at the age of 84.

Brad Pitt paid on-air tribute to his mom just weeks before her death

Just weeks before her death, 'The Big Short' star appeared on NBC’s Today show to promote his latest film, 'F1,' and took a touching moment to acknowledge his mom. Speaking to host Savannah Guthrie in June, Pitt beamed as he addressed the camera: “I’ve got to say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning,” he said, before cheerfully waving and adding, “To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom,” followed by a sweet kiss blown on air. 

Pitt, 61, who has often stayed private about family matters, lit up when speaking about Jane. “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 shared. “She’s very open, genuine, and wants everyone to be happy.”

Jane Etta Pitt was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1940. She met her husband, William Alvin Pitt, while attending Oklahoma Baptist University, and the couple later settled in Springfield, Missouri, where they raised three children: Brad, Doug, and Julie.

Brad Pitt’s niece shares heartfelt message after Jane Etta Pitt's death

The news of her passing was shared by granddaughter Sydney Pitt, 24, daughter of Brad’s brother Doug, in a moving social media post. “We were not ready for you to go yet,” Sydney wrote. “But knowing you are finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier.”

She followed with a heartfelt tribute that painted a vivid portrait of Jane’s legacy: “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.” 

“There was no limit to the love she gave,” she added. “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.”

Jane is survived by her husband William, now 85, her children, and her grandchildren.