Angelina Jolie’s aunt, Debbie Martin, has lost her battle with breast cancer.
According to E! News and People, Martin — the younger sister of the actress’ mother, Marcheline Bertrand — died on Sunday. She was 61.
“Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day,” surviving husband Ronald Martin, told E!, who was first to report the news. “They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice. … We have seen Angelina a number of times since Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer and Debbie and I were both very proud of her recent decision to have the double mastectomy and to do everything she can to keep her family from having to go through what we’ve been through.
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“Angelina’s father Jon Voight has also been tremendously supportive — he came down to see Debbie last Sunday and spent the whole day, talking with her and sharing his love and I know Debbie really enjoyed seeing him and talking with him,” he continued.
The sad news comes just two weeks after the Oscar-winning actress revealed that she had a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she had the faulty BRCA gene.
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Martin’s sister (Jolie’s mother) died in 2007 after a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. The actress is planning to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries.
Martin is survived by her husband and two sons.
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