'I love you Papa': Nicole Kidman breaks down in tears as she says final goodbye to father Antony after delivering emotional eulogy and singing Amazing Grace with husband Keith Urban at his funeral 

A distraught Nicole Kidman broke down in tears as she said her final goodbye to her father Dr Antony Kidman on Friday at his funeral in Sydney.

The A-list Hollywood actress was supported by her husband Keith Urban and their two daughters Sunday Rose, six, and Faith Margaret, three, at the service held at St Francis Xavier Church on the North Shore.

Dr Kidman passed away at the age of 75 last week in Singapore, following a suspected heart attack.

Wearing dark sunglasses, Nicole cried and held her eldest daughter Sunday to her chest as pallbearers walked Antony's coffin to the waiting hearse.

After laying the coffin down, husband Keith then enveloped Nicole in a hug.

As churchgoers filtered out of the ceremony, Nicole held her daughters close to her knees and dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

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Loving support: Keith placed a kiss on his wife's lips following the service 


The congregation looked on as the hearse drove away, with several of Antony's grandchildren, including younger daughter Antonia's six children, waving at the departing vehicle.

Sixtie's Australian anthem The Carnival Is Over by the Seekers played out to the congregation, as two priests emerged from the church first.

They were closely followed by seven pallbearers carrying the coffin, which was lead by Urban and Antonia's second husband Craig Marran.

Channel Nine news reader Peter Overton also acted as a pallbearer.

Nicole's husband Keith acted as pallbearer at the funeral along with Channel Nine news reader Peter Overton

Nicole's husband Keith acted as pallbearer at the funeral along with Channel Nine news reader Peter Overton

Nicole was comforted by Keith as they arrived for the funeral at St Francis Xavier Church in Sydney's North Shore

Nicole was comforted by Keith as they arrived for the funeral at St Francis Xavier Church in Sydney's North Shore

Flowers for grandpa: Nicole and Keith were surrounded by their two daughters and also the children of the actress's younger sister Antonia. Sunday Rose was seen carrying some white roses for her grandfather

Flowers for grandpa: Nicole and Keith were surrounded by their two daughters and also the children of the actress's younger sister Antonia. Sunday Rose was seen carrying some white roses for her grandfather

Earlier Nicole delivered a heartfelt tribute to her beloved father during the church service before she and Keith performed an emotional acoustic version of Amazing Grace.

Playing to a silent congregation, their voices rung out through the church as they harmonised.

While Keith played the guitar in accompaniment, Nicole whispered 'thank you' as the last chord was played.

In her eulogy, Nicole - who Antony affectionately called 'Niccy' - lovingly remembered his final visit to America to visit her three weeks ago, telling mourners she was so thankful he had came to see her. 


Antony's wife Janelle touched her husband's coffin before it was driven away 

Antony's wife Janelle touched her husband's coffin before it was driven away 

The mother-of-two 

The mother-of-two blew a kiss as the car was driven away 

Urban was one of seven pallbearers to carry Dr Kidman's coffin out of the church

Urban was one of seven pallbearers to carry Dr Kidman's coffin out of the church

Nicole eyes were etched with grief as she joined the congregation 

Nicole eyes were etched with grief as she joined the congregation 

Urban put his arm around his wife as they made their way into the church with their younger daughter Faith Margaret

Urban put his arm around his wife as they made their way into the church with their younger daughter Faith Margaret

She said that theywent for long walks, visited the theatre and read manuscripts.

It was a 'beautiful' trip, she said, but Nicole on Friday dwelled on one particular evening where she came home to find her father had ate all the pizza they were meant to share and how he was very apologetic.

'I am so grateful he came to New York. And I'm so glad he ate all that pizza,' she said, to laughter from the congregation, which was packed with family, friends, colleagues and luminaries including actor Russell Crowe, his ex wife Danielle Spencer and businessman Dick Smith.

Nicole continued: 'I'm so lucky to be his daughter, and that he chose my mother to make me with. 

Sombre: The 47-year-old dressed in a black dress and her signature curls worn down around her shoulders

Sombre: The 47-year-old dressed in a black dress and her signature curls worn down around her shoulders

'The only regret he'd have is that he's not here to see his beautiful grandchildren grow up. And that he's not here to take care of Jay (his wife Janelle and Nicole's mother).

The red-headed star said she wanted to tell him that the family, and those gathered at the church, would take care of his widowed wife.

'It's okay Papa, we're here to take care of her,' she continued.

'I want to say to him, don't worry, we'll be able to take care of her... I love you Papa.' 

Putting on a brave face: Nicole managed a small smile as she exited a blacked out vehicle with her husband 

Putting on a brave face: Nicole managed a small smile as she exited a blacked out vehicle with her husband 

The actress also spoke of how her father got her through her high-profile divorce from Tom Cruise in 2001.

She recalled how he stayed by her side on an aeroplane just after the split.

And told her in times of crisis: 'Nic, it's going to be OK. It isn't what it could've been, it isn't what it should have been, it is what it is.'

The Academy Award-winning actress also remembered her father as a generous, wise and self restrained man, who cared little for material possessions.

She said he would not even look at the label if she bought him a Prada shirt.

'He is the reason I can't walk past someone on the street with their hands out without giving,' she said.  

Hand-in-hand: Nicole and Keith held hands with their daughters who also held onto the hands of their cousins, the children of Nicole's younger sister Antonia

Hand-in-hand: Nicole and Keith held hands with their daughters who also held onto the hands of their cousins, the children of Nicole's younger sister Antonia

Nicole remembered that he would pick her up from parties at all hours and when she wagged school and forged his signature on a sick note he would lie and tell them it was his writing, and quiz her calmly about it afterwards.

'He was the father who was always going to be there,' she said. 

Before the service, the actress, dressed in a black dress and her signature red curls worn down around her shoulders, held onto her daughter Faith's hand as the tight knit Kidman clan made their way inside.

Nicole's mother Janelle, younger sister Antonia, 44, and her second husband Marran were also seen arriving along with Antonia's six children Lucia, Hamish, James, Sybella, Nicholas and Alexander.  

Close knit: United in grief, the family entered the church during the sun-drenched afternoon to say goodbye to Dr Kidman

Close knit: United in grief, the family entered the church during the sun-drenched afternoon to say goodbye to Dr Kidman

Keith kept his arm around his wife as they made their way up the church stairs 

Keith kept his arm around his wife as they made their way up the church stairs 

His other grandchildren, Isabella and Connor, Nicole's adopted daughter and son from her marriage to Cruise, were not in attendance at the funeral and thought to be back in the US.

Also arriving at the Sydney church to pay their respects to the talented director of the health psychology unit at the University of Technology in Sydney, were Nicole's close friend Crowe and his ex wife Spencer. 

Spencer, who was dressed respectfully in a simple short sleeved black dress teamed with black heels, stopped to shake hands with an assistant before being ushered inside.

Meanwhile, a sombre Russell was wearing a black suit and white shirt with tie and matching dark sunglasses to Danielle. 

Nicole's sister Antonia also wore black as she continues to mourn the death of her father

Nicole's sister Antonia also wore black as she continues to mourn the death of her father

Channel Ten host Jessica Rowe and her husband Overton arrived early for the service. while Father Paul Coleman, who was seen visiting the Kidman family on Monday, oversaw the funeral. 

Before the service, a hearse containing Dr Kidman's coffin arrived at the church.

It was adorned with yellow and purple flowers and carried by six pall bearers.

The ceremony began with the poem Farewell, by Anne Bronte.

Sounds of the hymn Morning is Broken could be heard by the congregation from outside the sunlit church on Sydney's North Shore.

Father Coleman opened the service by welcoming guests, and then Nicole, Antonia and husband Craig, wife Janelle, and others delivered their words of remembrance while Antony's grandchildren also said prayers. 

During the service, a grief-stricken Janelle delivered an emotional and moving speech about her beloved husband who she called her  'soul mate'.

A voice rich in emotion, the mother-of-two struggled to express her love for her husband who touched the lives of so many.

'He used to say J you know one of the reasons I keep for is because I want to see those grandchild (ren) grow up,' she said. 

By her side: Antonia's eldest daughter Lucia, 15,  accompanied her grandmother and Nicole's mother Janelle inside 

'Anthony had a zest and enthusiasm for life - That wonderful vibrant man who bounded out of the house to fly to Singapore.

'Every little mundane task and action that I do is a constant reminder - making a cup of tea, taking out the trash - he'd say you're the foreman, I'm the labourer.

'A man of enthusiasm and of passions once he'd committed to something he stuck to it.

'I could go on forever, his unconditional love of me, of the girls, Of the grandchildren.

'Night before he left he wept about a woman suffering ovation cancer he genuinely felt empathy.

'He was a good man in the sense of the word.

'Letters, cards, flowers, phone calls and visitors flooded in this week.

'I loved his eccentricities. We talked incessantly about world affairs about politics. 

Friends: Nicole's close friend Russell Crowe and his ex-wife Danielle Spencer also attended the service 

Friends: Nicole's close friend Russell Crowe and his ex-wife Danielle Spencer also attended the service 

Spencer has also been a long time friend of the actress 

Spencer has also been a long time friend of the actress 

Channel Ten host Jessica Rowe was also seen outside the church 

Channel Ten host Jessica Rowe was also seen outside the church 

'He had a helpless infectious laughter - whether it was a Charlie Chaplin movie or the Road Runner - when Anthony laughed you laughed with him

'And of course he sang at home at work in his car - he practised in the front porch.

'He was persistent setting up of the health psychology unit.

'Dick Smith never wavered in his support of him. I could go on...

'My grief is so intense and I'm blocking out the loss until later, I will miss him so much.

'He was a dear good man who will never be forgotten, he leaves behind a family who will be better for knowing him.'

Antonia spoke following her mother and Nicole, saying it was difficult to follow the pair of them.

Grief-stricken, she spoke of the close relationship her and her father shared, saying they were 'similar in many ways'.

Close-knit: Nicole was a pillar of strength for her heartbroken family at Friday's service

Close-knit: Nicole was a pillar of strength for her heartbroken family at Friday's service

Solemn: As churchgoers filtered out of the ceremony, Nicole held her daughters close to her knees and held back tears 

Solemn: As churchgoers filtered out of the ceremony, Nicole held her daughters close to her knees and held back tears 

United: Nicole rushed home to be by her mother and sister's side, arriving back in Sydney on Sunday morning alongside Keith and their two lookalike girls 

United: Nicole rushed home to be by her mother and sister's side, arriving back in Sydney on Sunday morning alongside Keith and their two lookalike girls 

Staying close their children, earlier Nicole delivered a heartfelt tribute to her beloved father during the church service before she and Keith performed an emotional acoustic version of Amazing Grace

Staying close their children, earlier Nicole delivered a heartfelt tribute to her beloved father during the church service before she and Keith performed an emotional acoustic version of Amazing Grace

Echoing what her mother and sister said before her, she detailed her father’s distinguishing qualities - kindness, intelligence and love, saying he was personally and professionally a comfort to her.

Her lengthy epitaph to her beloved father remembered his laughter and his lovely blue eyes which will live on through Nicole, Sybella and Sunday Faith.

Antonia was followed by her second husband Craig Marran, who delivered a composed speech in memory of his father-in-law of six years who he called a 'friend' saying he wished to emulate the qualities Antony displayed.

He went onto recall his nerves when he was first introduced to him and saying that he was welcomed into the family and only wished he'd more time with such a great man.

Antony’s younger sister Margaret spoke fifth calling her brother the 'salt of the earth', speaking from the heart without preparing a speech before hand.

She spoke about his love for his mother and wife, recalling that he was known by his mother as the ‘white magnolia’ - meaning perfection.

Before the service a hearse carrying Dr Kidman's coffin arrived at the church

Before the service a hearse carrying Dr Kidman's coffin arrived at the church

It was adorned with yellow and purple flowers and carried by six pall bearers.

It was adorned with yellow and purple flowers and carried by six pall bearers.

Staying strong: Keith looked solemn as he carried the coffin out of the church on Friday 

Staying strong: Keith looked solemn as he carried the coffin out of the church on Friday 

An honourable role: Russell also acted as a pallbearer alongside Keith and Peter Overton

An honourable role: Russell also acted as a pallbearer alongside Keith and Peter Overton

A sad day: Danielle and Russell showed a united front in support of their friends

A sad day: Danielle and Russell showed a united front in support of their friends

She broke down as she spoke about how Antony was a support after her daughter took her life six months ago, finishing with a song.

The ceremony finished as the congregation joined in the Lords Prayer and a moving harp solo was played as the attendees paid their respects.

The guests watched a photo display of the doctors life to a soundtrack, including the songs Those Were the Days by Gene Raskin, Day Dream Believer by The Monkees, Someone Who Will Watch Over Me by George Gerswhin and Moon River by Andy Williams

A lover of music, the songs would no doubt have had great significance to the man, who was remembered for his musical passions.

The audience could be heard clapping as the final song played out and the priest called it a 'wonderful celebration of someone's life'

JANELLE KIDMAN'S HEARTFELT EULOGY


'He used to say J you know one of the reasons I keep for is because I want to see those grandchild(ren) grow up,' she said.

'Anthony had a zest and enthusiasm for life - That wonderful vibrant man who bounded out of the house to fly to Singapore.

'Every little mundane task and action that I do is a constant reminder - making a cup of tea, taking out the trash - he'd say you're the foreman, I'm the labourer.

'A man of enthusiasm and of passions once he'd committed to something he stuck to it.

'I could go on forever, his unconditional love of me, of the girls, Of the grandchildren.

'Night before he left he wept about a woman suffering ovation cancer he genuinely felt empathy.

'He was a good man in the sense of the word.

'Letters, cards, flowers, phone calls and visitors flooded in this week.

'I loved his eccentricities. We talked incessantly about world affairs, about politics. 

'He had a helpless infectious laughter - whether it was a Charlie Chaplin movie or the Road Runner - when Anthony laughed you laughed with him.

'And of course he sang at home, at work, in his car - he practised in the front porch.

'He was persistent setting up of the health psychology unit.

'Dick Smith never wavered in his support of him. I could go on...

'My grief is so intense and I'm blocking out the loss until later, I will miss him so much.

'He was a dear good man who will never be forgotten, he leaves behind a family who will be better for knowing him.'

Tragic: Dr Antony Kidman passed away at the age of 75 last week in Singapore after a suspected heart attack

Tragic: Dr Antony Kidman passed away at the age of 75 last week in Singapore after a suspected heart attack

Keith led Nicole by the hand down the front steps of the Greenwich property as they made funeral arrangements earlier in the week

Keith led Nicole by the hand down the front steps of the Greenwich property as they made funeral arrangements earlier in the week

Nicole's sister Antonia and her husband Craig Marran were also seen around the home as they met with relatives and their local priest

Nicole's sister Antonia and her husband Craig Marran were also seen around the home as they met with relatives and their local priest

Ahead of the funeral, close family friend John Picone said he would remember Kidman as a successful professional and sportsman who loved a life and was deeply in love with his life partner, Janelle, and whose family was everything to him.

''Antony and Janelle were just made for each other,' he said. 

'They were meant to be.' 

'(His) family was everything to him to him, even if they were separated by distance.'

Mr Picone noted Antony was visiting his daughter Antonia in Singapore when he died. 'We've lost Antony but we'll have him forever in our hearts and minds.'  

Dr Kidman died suddenly last week while in Singapore visiting Antonia and her husband Craig Marran, where they now live.

Nicole rushed home to be by her mother and sister's side, arriving back in Sydney on Sunday morning alongside Keith and their two lookalike girls. 

 Janelle Kidman looked distraught as she greeted her daughter, son in law and grandchildren on Monday

 Janelle Kidman looked distraught as she greeted her daughter, son in law and grandchildren on Monday

Dr Kidman died while in Singapore visiting Antonia, her husband, and her six children

Dr Kidman died while in Singapore visiting Antonia, her husband, and her six children

A statement released by Kidman's publicist in the U.S. Leslee Dart, said the actress and her family 'are in shock by the sudden death of her father', adding that 'she appreciates the outpouring of support and kindly requests privacy during this very difficult time'. 

Dr Kidman, a Sydney psychologist, is believed to have collapsed while inside a restaurant at his private hotel, The Tanglin Club in Singapore, where he was staying while visiting his daughter Antonia and his grandchildren.

He reportedly fell after eating breakfast at the restaurant, following his morning exercise.

A doctor and guests who were present tried to resuscitate him before paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital,The Straits Times reported.

He was taken to nearby Tan Tock Seng Hospital at about 10am where police confirmed he later died.

The Tanglin Club is close by to where the Antonia and her young family lives. 

Kidman's husband Keith cancelled his upcoming performances following the accident, including a charity event in California, in order to be with his devastated wife in Nashville during the difficult time.

A statement released by Kidman's publicist in the U.S. Leslee Dart, said the actress and her family 'are in shock by the sudden death of her father'

A statement released by Kidman's publicist in the U.S. Leslee Dart, said the actress and her family 'are in shock by the sudden death of her father'

The singer is believed to have taken a private jet to meet Kidman upon hearing the news, before taking to his social media pages to apologise to fans for his absence.

'I'm so very sorry that I cannot perform this weekend. We are in a deep state of grief at the passing of Nic's Father and are heading to Australia to be with family,' the country singer-songwriter wrote last Saturday.

'We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their love, prayers and support through this devastating loss.' 

 

 

Nicole Kidman in tears in final goodbye to father Antony with husband Keith Urban

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