STAR SEND-OFF: Inside the rise of ‘death doulas’ as A-list celebs sign up to ‘taboo’ side hustle
Death and dying have long been regarded as ultimate taboos in modern society. However, a growing movement led by high-profile celebrities is bringing end-of-life care into the spotlight, as stars retrain as certified “death doulas”.
While the term “doula” is traditionally associated with childbirth and welcoming new life into the world, a “death doula”—also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife—provides holistic emotional, physical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families as they navigate the final chapter of life.
Unlike medical staff who focus on clinical treatment, death doulas offer non-medical assistance. Their work ranges from helping patients draft end-of-life plans and organizing legacy projects to facilitating open conversations about grief and providing a comforting, tranquil presence during a person’s final hours.
In recent years, the profession has seen a surge in popularity, propelled significantly by A-list celebrities and cultural influencers who have chosen to complete the rigorous training required. By speaking openly about their journey into end-of-life care, these public figures are helping to demystify dying and strip away the stigma surrounding mortality.
Industry experts believe this celebrity engagement marks a pivotal cultural shift. For generations, Western society has treated death as something to be hidden away in hospitals or care homes. The rise of death doulas represents a return to a more compassionate, person-centred approach, encouraging people to plan their final days with dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind.
As more individuals seek personalized, meaningful send-offs, end-of-life doulas are quickly transitioning from a niche secondary occupation to a vital component of modern palliative care.
