Just days after Angelina Jolie announced that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy, her aunt has passed away from breast cancer. Debbie Martin, the younger sister of Jolie's late mother (Marcheline Bertrand, pictured at right, who died of ovarian cancer), died Sunday morning after a long battle.
"Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," her uncle, Ron Martin, tells E! 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."
He continues, "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. 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."
Jolie's family history of breast cancer led her to get tested for the BRCA gene. Her doctor estimated that she had an 87% likelihood of contracting breast cancer and a 50% likelihood of contracting ovarian cancer, and she underwent surgery to prevent it.
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