Publicly, Nicole Kidman has been silent about her ex-husband Tom Cruise’s recent split from third wife Katie Holmes. But privately, it seems the women had struck up a friendship, with Kidman even lending emotional support to Holmes.

The two met after Holmes became a step-mom to Cruise and Kidman’s children in 2006, but their communication reportedly stepped up when Holmes decided to abandon her marriage.

“They’ve spoken over the last few weeks,” a confidante told Us Weekly. “Nicole [said] she’s been through it too and to hang in there … She’s been a private friend not many people know about [who's] offered support and help.”

Holmes is said to have planned her divorce for weeks before filing formal papers and making Cruise aware of her intentions, a feat made all the more remarkable given media reports stating she had “handlers” thanks to Cruise’s close ties to the Church of Scientology.

In fact, the Los Angeles Times said earlier this week that Holmes even used a disposable cell phone provided by a pal to contact her lawyers and plot her divorce in secret.

But once it was underway, it didn’t take long to resolve — less than two weeks after Holmes dropped the bombshell on her superstar husband, the two reached a confidential settlement.

More From Q92