Can a Protestant receive Catholic absolution?

When my Mother passed away a young Catholic priest came into her hospital room and asked us her family if he could pray for her. We said of course. He prayed and made the mark of the cross on her forehead and then kissed her forehead and sang a song in a beautiful tenor voice. It was very moving, especially at such a heavy time of mourning for all of us. Since then I have wondered if he gave her absolution. And indeed is it even possible for a priest to give a protestant last rites and absolution? I hope some of my Catholic friends out there can answer this nagging question I have had for five years now. Thanks.