Jane Etta Pitt, mother of actor Brad Pitt, has passed away at the age of 84. News of her death was confirmed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, by her granddaughter, Sydney Pitt, in a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram. Jane, a retired school counselor, was just a week shy of her 85th birthday.

Sydney's Instagram post included a carousel of throwback photos and a touching message about her "Grammy". "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," she wrote. She described Jane as having "the biggest heart" and caring "deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked". Sydney also reminisced about Jane's ability to "keep up with all 14 of us grandkids without missing a beat". She added, "There was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it… We were truly blessed to have her to love on growing up and I know she lives on through each of us".

Jane Etta Hillhouse married William Alvin Pitt in 1962 after meeting at Oklahoma Baptist University. Together, they raised three children: Brad, Doug, and Julie. The family lived in Tulsa and later Springfield, Missouri. In Springfield, Jane was actively involved in local children's causes and volunteered at the Pregnancy Care Center. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and was an early supporter of the Parents as Teachers program at Springfield Public Schools.

In 2009, the Pitt family donated $1 million to Mercy Hospital Springfield to establish the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center. The center was the first in the region to have both a pediatric oncologist and hematologist on staff. Jane spoke about her children's efforts to give back in a 2018 video for WorldServe International, saying, "I'm very proud of all my children. They see a need and try to step in and fill it… It's an amazing thing".

Brad Pitt publicly acknowledged his mother just weeks before her passing. During a special screening of his film F1 in June, he gave a shout-out to Jane while speaking with Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. "I gotta say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning," he said, adding, "To Jane Pitt. Love you, Mom," before blowing a kiss.

Jane often supported her son at red carpet events and high-profile events throughout the years. In 2012, she joined Brad at the Oscars, and in 2014, she attended the premiere of Angelina Jolie's film Unbroken.

According to her obituary, Jane passed away "peacefully" on Monday. While her cause of death has not been released, a private celebration of life will be held at a future date at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where she was a member.

Jane's legacy will live on through the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center, her family's charitable work, and the countless lives she touched. Her obituary reads, "Her legacy endures through the St. Jude Mercy Affiliate/Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center-Springfield, the evolving charitable work of her family members and the many parents and students whose lives she enriched".