In a heart-breaking twist of irony, Angelina Jolie’s aunt, Debbie Martin, has passed away after a long battle with breast cancer.
E! News reports that Martin died Sunday at 1:50 a.m. at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, California.
During the week leading up to Martin’s death, Jolie frequently called the hospital to check in on her ailing aunt, her uncle Ron Martin informed E!
“Although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice,” he said.
Jolie’s brother, Jamie, and father, Jon Voight, made in-person visits as well.
The news of her aunt’s death from breast cancer comes less than two weeks after Jolie’s own shocking announcement that she underwent a double mastectomy to avoid the very same disease.
As we previously reported, Jolie discovered she was at a high risk of developing breast cancer and made the proactive decision to have a series of procedures that were completed on April 27.
She explained, “I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.”
According to E! Jolie’s uncle is proud of her brave decision, saying, “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.”