Los Angeles — Actress Laura Dern opened up about the loss of her mother, Diane Ladd, last November, expressing both grief and pride for the late Hollywood star. The 58-year-old Little Women actress paid tribute to Ladd, remembering the courage and determination her mother showed during her final days battling a rare terminal lung disease.
Diane Ladd was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and progressive lung condition, and was given only six months to live. Despite her illness, Ladd remained committed to raising awareness about IPF, determined to educate others and prevent unnecessary suffering.
“She never wanted anyone to have to naively be in pain without answers. Just too much time was spent like that for both of us,” Dern told People Magazine. The actress added that she has promised to continue her mother’s mission to spread awareness about the disease.
Speaking about fulfilling her mother’s wishes, Dern said with a laugh, “We’re talking about Diane Ladd! It was a demand. I’m privileged to be able to fulfil it and I care deeply as well, but no, it was a required want to make a difference.”
Although Dern could not alter the course of her mother’s illness, she fondly recalled the short walks they used to take together. Many of the conversations during these walks later inspired their collaborative memoir, Honey, Baby, Mine, released in 2023.
Laura Dern’s tribute highlights her commitment to honoring her mother’s legacy while advocating for greater understanding of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that remains largely unknown to the public.