Absolument Jolie

Angelina Jolie shares emotional tribute to late mother Marcheline Bertrand for Mother's Day: 'I can see how much her death changed me'

Details: Published on Monday, 11 May 2020 04:58; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie is paying tribute to her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who passed away in 2007 after being diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer.The Academy Award-winning actress, 44, wrote a heartfelt Mother's Day op-ed for the New York Times, where she chronicled Bertrand's devotion and sacrifice for her children, the loss of her mother, and the inspiration she's gotten from refugee mothers around the world in their fight to love and protect their children. 'I lost my mother in my thirties. When I look back to that time, I can see how much her death changed me,' Jolie wrote in the piece that was published May 9.'It was not sudden, but so much shifted inside. Losing a mother's love and warm, soft embrace is like having someone rip away a protective blanket,' she added.After detailing Bertrand's upbringing on the South Side of Chicago and subsequent move to Los Angeles, Jolie talked about her love of rock n' roll and how the split from her father, Jon Voight, changed her life goals.'When my father had an affair, it changed my life. It set her dream of family life ablaze,' the actress explained.'But she still loved being a mother. Her dreams of being an actor faded as she found herself, at the age of 26, raising two children with a famous ex who would cast a long shadow on her life.' Several years after her mother's death, Jolie got a small "W" tattoo on her right hand, in remembrance of the Rolling Stone song, Winter, that Bertrand used to sing to her as a baby.'As the "W" faded on my hand, so did that feeling of home and protection,' she confessed.'Life has taken many turns. I've had my own loss and seen my life take a different direction. And it hurt more than I imagined it ever would,' which was likely a reference to her bitter split with ex-husband Brad Pitt, among other losses.Jolie, who's a special envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also reminisced about the strength she's gotten from her many journeys to conflict zones around the world.'This Mother’s Day, I think of refugee mothers I have met, living in poverty and displacement,' she said.'Every one began her journey of motherhood with a promise to do all she could to protect her child. To lay down her life if necessary. And if she is defeated and silenced, few things are more tragic.'Those brave refugee mothers' will to survive, at times for the sake of their children, has led her to believe 'a mother is the strongest person on earth.' She added, 'The softness of her skin is deceptive. She is a force driven by love and loyalty. There is no one who solves more problems. When she has only love to give, it pours from her soul.' She concluded by stating that there is 'nothing more painful for a mother or father than to be unable to provide their child with the things they need,' and how the COVID-19 pandemic has made that more of a reality for many families, including the US. 'So to the mothers everywhere who feel helpless — yet who still give every last bit of energy, every last bite of food and the only blanket to their children — I honor you.' she wrote. 'And to anyone who is grieving this Mother’s Day, I hope you will find consolation and strength in your memories.'

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie shares it is 'impossible' to be a 'perfect' parent and 'answer all needs' during coronavirus pandemic

Details: Published on Monday, 27 April 2020 05:25; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie thinks it is 'impossible' to be a 'perfect' parent. The Maleficent star has Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 11, with her ex-husband Brad Pitt.She has now written in Time magazine's Parents newsletter that parenting her six children during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has taught her it’s not possible to 'answer all needs' all the time.She said: 'Now, in the midst of this pandemic, I think of all the mothers and fathers with children at home. All hoping they can do everything right, answer all needs, and stay calm and positive. One thing that has helped me is to know that’s impossible.'Angelina insisted children 'don’t want' their parents to be 'perfect,' as long as they can be 'honest' about their mistakes. She added: 'It is a lovely thing to discover that your children don’t want you perfect. They just want you honest.'And doing your best. In fact, the more room they have to be great where you are weak, the stronger they may become.'The film star explained: 'They love you. They want to help you. So in the end, it’s the team you build. And in a way, they are raising you up too. You grow together.'The 44-year-old star also reflected on her 'decision to become a parent' when she adopted Maddox from Cambodia in 2002, and said it 'wasn’t hard' to 'dedicate 'her life to another human being.She said: 'I remember the decision to become a parent. It wasn’t hard to love. It wasn’t hard to dedicate myself to someone and something greater than my life.' Angelina elaborated: 'What was hard was knowing that from now on I needed to be the one to make sure everything was OK. To manage it and make it work.'She continued that she had to figure parenting out: 'From food to school to medical. Whatever would come. And to be patient.'I realized I stopped my constant daydreaming, instead staying always ready for any break into what I was doing or thinking to answer a need. It was a new skill to acquire.'

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie's son Maddox returns home from college in South Korea after semester ends early due to COVID-19 crisis

Details: Published on Friday, 27 March 2020 05:48; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie's eldest son Maddox is home from college earlier than expected due to the coronavirus global pandemic. Maddox headed back to the United States after his semester at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea was abruptly canceled, according to a new report from People Magazine on Thursday. Back in August, the 18-year-old arrived on the Korean campus for his freshman year in college to study biotechnology. Maddox is back with his mom in Los Angeles as well as his five younger siblings Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 11. While off for the foreseeable future, People reports that he is spending his downtime focusing on his Korean and Russian studies.After Maddox headed off to the hallowed halls, Jolie gushed to Entertainment Tonight about her son's exciting new chapter. 'I just sent one off… I'm so proud of him,' Jolie said at the time. 'I'm so excited, I feel like my world expands as their world expands. I learn so much from them and I love this stage.' Jolie, 44, adopted Maddox in 2002 when he was just a few months old from an orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia, when she was married to actor Billy Bob Thornton.Her now ex-husband Brad Pitt later adopted Maddox, as well as the actresses elder children Pax and Zahara. This week Angelina stepped up to do more than her part to help feed underprivileged children whose access to school lunches was cut off by school closures amid the coronavirus pandemic.She has given $1 million to the charity No Kid Hungry, which says it has so far spread $2 million across 30 states to feed low-income children and their families.'As of this week, over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to coronavirus,' said Angelina, 44, in a statement for No Kid Hungry.'Many children depend on the care and nutrition they receive during school hours, including nearly 22 million children in America who rely on food support.' Angelina, who is famous for her philanthropy, added: 'Kid Hungry is making resolute efforts to reach as many of those children as possible.' Along with the Oscar winner, other big name celebrities have thrown their support behind No Kid Hungry. Last week, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams started a fundraiser for the worth cause and revealed their initiative in a social media video. In the joint clip, which was made over video-chat, Amy and Jennifer announced last Tuesday they would read children's books on Insta Stories to raise money.Jennifer and Amy launched this Save With Stories venture to encourage donations to Save The Children and No Kid Hungry.They have attracted help from a string of other celebrities including Camila Cabello, Lupita Nyong'o, Brie Larson, Noah Centineo and Beanie Feldstein.

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh hobbles on crutches after actress shared details of hip surgery... but there's no sign of daughter Zahara, 15, who has been 'in and out of surgery' for months

Details: Published on Thursday, 12 March 2020 18:22; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh was pictured hobbling on crutches on Sunday, hours after the actress revealed two of her daughters had undergone surgery.The 13-year-old carefully propped herself up with the medical supports, on an outing to buy flowers with her mother and sister Vivienne, 11.In a Time magazine essay published Sunday in honour of International Women's Day, Jolie wrote that both her eldest daughter, 15-year-old Zahara, and her younger sister were operated on. 'I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,' the 44-year-old Maleficent actress, a contributing editor for Time, began her essay. According to new reports the surgery was the reason Angelina's ex-husband Brad Pitt missed the BAFTAs last month. He cited a 'family obligation' as his reason for asking co-star Margot Robbie to pick up his Best Supporting Actor gong for his role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. According to Page Six, he has been at his daughters' bedsides as they recover. Jolie, who did not name Shiloh in her essay, wrote that she was impressed by how the family came together during this time of pain. 'They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of,' Jolie wrote. Jolie, who stars in the upcoming film Those Who Wish Me Dead, has bravely admitted to her own operations in the past - including a double mastectomy and having her ovaries removed as a preventative measure to ward off cancer. But this time she spoke out about her children's procedures. 'They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write,' she explained.'They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.'Describing how her children bonded, she wrote: 'I have watched my daughters care for one another. My youngest daughter [Vivienne] studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time.'I saw how all my girls so easily stopped everything and put each other first, and felt the joy of being of service to those they love. 'I also watched them their face fears with a resolute bravery. We all know that moment when no one else can help us, and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe. When only we can take the next step or breath through the pain, so we steady ourselves and do it.' The mother also brought up her other children - sons Knox, 11, Pax, 16, and Maddox, 18.'Their brothers were there for them, supportive and sweet,' she wrote.'But on this International Women's Day, writing from the hospital, I find myself focusing on my daughters for a moment, and all that I have learned from them and other young girls I have met around the world.' The actress, who prior to Sunday was last photographed in early January while on a shopping trip with her daughter Vivienne, then focused on the power of women in honor of the holiday.
'Little girls' softness, their openness and instinct to nurture and help others, must be appreciated and not abused,' she stated. 'We must do much more to protect them, in all societies: not only against the extreme ways girls' rights are often violated, but also the more subtle injustices and attitudes that so often go unnoticed or excused.' 'So my wish on this day is that we value girls. Care for them. And know that the stronger they grow, the healthier they will be and the more they will give back to their family and community.'And Jolie ended on a message of empowerment. 'And my message to girls is, fight on, little ladies. Your care for each other will be a large part of your way forward,' she wrote.'Hold your nerve. Know your rights. And never let anyone tell you that you are not precious and special and, above all, equal.' Whenever her kids have been injured it has become news. In 2014 Pax reportedly broke his leg in Thailand and Shiloh broke her arm during a ski accident in December 2017. But there has been no word about recent injuries. Meanwhile, her ex Pitt was seen at a Thundercat event this weekend with a mystery woman and pal Alia Shawkat.The star was busy earlier this year campaigning for an Oscar, which he received for Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood.

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie talks about son Maddox's plan to return to university in South Korea... as actress highlights the impact of Covid-19 on children's education across the world

Details: Published on Thursday, 02 April 2020 05:08; Written by Daily mail

The mother of six said Maddox will be returning to Yonsei University in Seoul once the pandemic has passed and the school reopens.Maddox is a freshman at the school, where he is studying biotechnology. 'I could not be happier about Mad's choice of university. It is of course closed at the moment because of the pandemic..' Angelina said to the DongA Daily, which is the leading media outlet in South Korea.She continued: 'But he's not transferring school, he'll be going back as soon as things settle. He's using the time to focus on his Korean and Russian studies.'Angelina said she admires the way South Korea became 'such a successful modern economy while also preserving the culture and values that have made it unique for centuries.' 'Nearly a billion young people globally are out of education, because of school and university shutdowns,' which she says half of all students worldwide. Angelina said in some countries, if a person's education is interrupted in this way - with a global crisis, they may not ever be able to return due to having to work or other pressures.Other kids depend on going to school to get their one meal a day that helps them survive against extreme poverty, as well as people who may be more vulnerable to domestic violence or abuse, she explained.Angelina said: 'There's an urgent need to help young people to continue their education, through distance learning for example, to ensure they are able to get their qualifications and that they get the other kinds of support they need.'Angelina shares her six kids with ex husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13 and 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.The star told the outlet: 'We are all so happy as a family that we will have the opportunity to get to know South Korea even better through Maddox, and with him, during his studies.'Angelina highlighted the importance of education during the Covid-19 health crisis, as well people who live in refugee camps or those who do not have access to water.Angelina said: 'The immediate focus is of course the coronavirus and impact it could have on the world's displaced people who are so vulnerable.'She explained: 'Many, for example, live in refugee camps where they don't have the option of self-isolating. Or where they might not even have access to water to wash their hands regularly.'The Maleficient star said that the most important thing to understand amid this crisis is that even before coronavirus, 'the situation for refugees globally was dire, with chronic shortfalls in basic humanitarian assistance,' with lack of basic healthcare as an example. Angelina spoke about following through after bringing awareness to an issue, something she said is key.Explaining: 'I think the problem we face is not a lack of awareness. It is holding those in positions of authority and leadership to account. Requiring them to live up to promises that have been made.'
The Tomb Raider star said her advice after getting everyone's attention on a particular issue: 'Immerse yourself in the issue you are concerned about, and become as knowledgeable as you possibly can about the facts, the laws and the change that is needed.'When asked about a possible transition from acting to politics which she seemingly implied during her BBC interview, she said that 'many of the problems we are dealing with are so vast that the idea that governments along can solve them is no longer true, if it ever was.' She said that 'we are all part of the solutions that are needed,' as seen in the coronavirus pandemic.'Yes, there are things that only governments can do, but only if they work together with scientists, doctors, nurses, epidemiologists and regular citizens.' The screen star is executive producing project BBC My World, which is a program about helping youths spot fake news. Angelina said of the project: 'We've never had access to so much information, but we all also need to question where that information comes from, if we can trust it, or whether someone is trying to manipulate us in some way.' When asked about Harvey Weinstein, she said: 'I respect the women who took part in the trial and bravely put evidence forward. Sadly, the issue is bigger than this one case.'Adding: 'In my experience, there is much more that people choose to accept, or don't feel the need to change.' Angelina, on her definition of true beauty, she said that it is 'someone being their true self, whatever that might be, and not feeling that they have to hide their spirit or some aspect of their identity. Above all, a generous spirit. A kindness.'

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie shares a laugh with daughter Vivienne, 11, as pair stock up on groceries

Details: Published on Sunday, 15 March 2020 10:14; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie kept a cheerful smile on her face when she was seen grocery shopping with her daughter Vivienne, 11, in Los Angeles on Saturday.The 44-year-old movie star stopped by the health food store to stock up, despite the hoards shopping amid coronavirus fears.However the Maleficent actress maintained a sunny disposition as she and her daughter carried their bulging paper bags through the parking lot.Angelina, who shares her six children with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, was ready for the inclement Los Angeles weather and threw on a beige raincoat.She slipped into a stylish layered white dress for her day out, popping on a pair of nude flats and bronze aviator sunglasses.Vivienne and her twin brother Knox were born in the South of France in 2008 and are the youngest of their parents' children.The former couple once known as 'Brangelina' also share daughters Zahara, 15, and Shiloh, 13, plus sons Maddox, 18, and Pax, 16.In a Time magazine essay for International Women's Day Angelina revealed that two of her three daughters have recently had to be operated on.'I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter, and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,' wrote Angelina, whose oldest daughter is Zahara, 15.She heaped praise on Vivienne, writing: 'I have watched my daughters care for one another. My youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time.' Angelina added: 'I saw how all my girls so easily stopped everything and put each other first, and felt the joy of being of service to those they love.'The Hollywood legend began her romance with Brad in 2005, when he infamously left his first wife Jennifer Aniston for her.The two married at their Chateau Miraval in the South of France in 2014, but two years later Angelina filed for a divorce that has not yet been finalized.

source : Daily mail

Angelina Jolie takes daughters Shiloh and Zahara to a movie in LA... one day after praising her family for rallying around both girls following their surgeries

Details: Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2020 20:35; Written by Daily mail

Angelina Jolie has had to endure watching her daughters, Zahara and Shiloh, undergo surgeries over the last two months.So it made perfect sense for the actress and humanitarian to spend some quality casual time with both girls by taking them to the movies in Los Angeles on Monday. The trio were spotted moments after their SUV pulled up to the parking lot and gingerly walked to the theater.Being that Shiloh most recently went under the knife for hip surgery, the 13-year-old needed the assistance of her mother, who got out of the vehicle and quickly handed her a pair of crutches.The Oscar-winning actress looked stylish in a black dress that was partially covered up with a black overcoat.She also donned dark sunglasses, brown flats and had her dark brown locks pulled into a bun.Keeping with her penchant for casual wear, Shiloh wore black shorts with a grey sweatshirt, black Converse sneakers and her blonde hair in a short bob cut.Once Shiloh got her barrings, she began the slow walk towards the theater as her mother trailed close behind to avoid any mishaps.Zahara, 15, was first to get out of the vehicle in a red plaid shirt-dress and white sneakers and her long braids pulled into a bun.In a Time magazine essay published Sunday in honor of International Women's Day, Jolie shared that her daughters were operated on.'I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,' she began.She also wrote how she was impressed with how the family came together during the ordeals.'They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.' Jolie also took pride in watching her kids 'face fears with resolute bravery' and 'put each other first' for the 'service of those they love.'

source : Daily mail