Angelina Jolie has expressed that being a parent is “everything” to her, emphasizing the importance of family as she continues her ongoing divorce battle with Brad Pitt.
The Maleficent actress, 49, reflected on motherhood during an interview with The Sunday Times while promoting her upcoming film, Maria.
The star, who has sparked Oscars buzz for her portrayal of the late opera singer Maria Callas in the biopic, shares six children with Brad Pitt: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who married in 2014 and filed for divorce in 2016, were declared legally single in 2019. Despite this, the former couple is set to head to trial next year over a legal dispute regarding their French vineyard.
During an interview with The Times about her role as Maria Callas in the upcoming Netflix film, Jolie reflected on the opera singer’s profound loneliness throughout her life.
“I don’t feel that because I have family,” Jolie shared. “Maria didn’t have a family, so her work was everything. My work is not everything. Being a parent is everything.”
The actress expressed her gratitude for the opportunity the film provided, saying, “I’m grateful this film gave me a time to stop and learn and listen and appreciate.”
Brad Pitt, meanwhile, is reportedly estranged from his six children. Both Shiloh and Vivienne have dropped his last name, and a source recently told People that his children have not spent “extensive time” with his parents in over five years. The insider added that the kids only have “limited” contact with Brad’s side of the family.
However, a source close to Angelina Jolie offered a contrasting perspective, stating, “Angelina has not blocked any communications or relationships; rather she encourages them to be in touch with their grandparents.” The insider further clarified that the children continue to send cards and gifts to their grandparents for birthdays and Christmas each year.
Earlier this month, Angelina attended the 2024 Governors Awards with her son, Knox, as her guest.
