Zahara Jolie, the eldest daughter of actress Angelina Jolie and her former partner Brad Pitt, has shared heartfelt insights about her unique bond with her mother during a recent event in Atlanta. Speaking at a mother-daughter brunch hosted by the Pearls of Purpose Foundation, the 21-year-old, who is a senior at Spelman College, reflected on the influence Jolie has had on her values and aspirations.
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During her speech on April 26, Zahara described her relationship with her mother as “kindred,” noting that articulating its significance posed a challenge. “When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” she explained. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words.”
Zahara revealed that she was adopted at just six months old and credited Jolie for instilling important values in her and her siblings, rooted in kindness and a commitment to helping others. “I was given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings, with a mum who raised us on the value of helping others, being kind and always striving for growth as people,” she said. She acknowledged the simplicity of these values but stressed their significance in a world where kindness can often be overlooked.
The young student also acknowledged the admiration many daughters feel towards their mothers, likening Jolie to a superhero. Zahara spoke of her lifelong curiosity about how her mother manages to balance her extensive public life with her family responsibilities. “She’s the most selfless, loving and understanding woman who I get to call my mum,” Zahara remarked.
Zahara detailed the complexities of sharing her college experience with her family, particularly in light of their high-profile lives. “Early on, I realised it would be challenging to include my mum and family in these worlds without being able to directly share the effects,” she explained. “With the addition of the public life that we live, it can be hard to find those special and intimate moments without being overwhelmed with the many eyes that are on us.”
Despite these challenges, Zahara attested to Jolie’s genuine interest in her college life and newfound experiences, particularly as she embraced sorority membership. “This has never stopped my mum from being curious about all that I’m learning in and outside of my classrooms at Spelman,” she said, conveying appreciation for her mother’s support.
In her address, Zahara disclosed how witnessing Jolie’s humanitarian efforts globally has influenced her own path. Often stepping into a nurturing role for her younger siblings, she embraced the values of care and compassion modelled by her mother. “I loved caring for my younger siblings and mirroring the care and compassion my mum showed us,” she stated, highlighting her inclination toward mentorship and youth development.
As vice president of the Mu Phi chapter of her sorority, Zahara expressed her ambition to pursue a career dedicated to mentoring young girls, inspired by the lessons she has gleaned throughout her education. “Through my matriculation, I have witnessed the joy and challenges that come with mentorship and the importance of having positive role models,” she said, reflecting on the interconnectedness of support and success.
Concluding her speech with a moving tribute to her mother, Zahara quoted a saying that resonates with her experience: “I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.” Turning towards Jolie, she expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Mum.”
Zahara is not the only child in Jolie’s family, who is also a mother to 17-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, as well as daughter Shiloh, 19, and sons Pax, 22, and Maddox, 24. As she approaches graduation and her next steps in life, Zahara’s reflections offer a glimpse into the strong familial bonds shaped by acts of kindness, love, and shared experiences that define Jolie’s household.