Jennifer Aniston has confirmed the death of her mother. "It is with great sadness that my brother John (Melick) and I announce the passing of our mother Nancy Dow," the actress said in an official statement. "She was 79 years old and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after enduring a long illness. We ask that our family's privacy be respected as we grieve our loss. "Jennifer and her mother had a complicated relationship, and, according to In Touch Weekly, the actress visited her mother for the first time in nearly five years on 12 May. They were estranged for almost a decade following the release of Nancy's 1999 memoir, From Mother to Daughter to Friends, and Nancy was excluded from Jennifer's wedding to Brad Pitt in 2000.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJennifer Aniston is mourning the death of her mother Nancy Dow
Just last year, Jennifer opened up about her mother in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, describing Nancy as "gorgeous, stunning", but also "very critical"."Because she was a model, she was gorgeous, stunning," Jennifer said. "I wasn't. I never was. I honestly still don't think of myself in that sort of light, which is fine. "She was also very unforgiving. She would hold grudges that I just found so petty."
© Photo: RexNancy Dow pictured in 2008
Nancy was married to Jack Melick from 1956 until 1961, and to soap star John Aniston from 1965 until 1980 – Jennifer was nine-years-old when her parents divorced.Following the news of her death, a source close to the family told People: "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. "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."
