Actress ASHLEY JUDD has been given a reason to smile following the breakdown of her marriage - she's become an aunt.

The Double Jeopardy star announced her split from her husband of 11 years, Dario Franchitti, in January (13), but the pair has remained close and on Friday (08Mar13) she was overjoyed to learn that the racecar driver's brother had become a dad.

Sending her best wishes to her brother-in-law Marino Franchitti and his wife, she tweets, "I'm an auntie! Doing a jig celebrating healthy, safe, & sweet arrival of Luca James Barclay. Congratulations @MFranchitti & Holly!"