Angelina Jolie Thanks Her Children for ‘Encouraging’ Her ‘Fighting Spirit’

**Angelina Jolie Reflects on Family Support During Tough Times**

In a recent interview with *Variety*, Angelina Jolie shared insights into how her six children have been instrumental in her recovery from health issues and personal challenges, particularly her divorce from actor Brad Pitt. The actress revealed that her children have inspired her to reclaim her adventurous spirit and embrace life once again.

At 51, Jolie is gearing up for her latest film, *Couture*, in which she portrays a costume designer navigating the complexities of a divorce while facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on her own experiences, which included a double mastectomy in 2013 after learning of her genetic predisposition to cancer, Jolie said, “I think my fighting spirit is finally back. I lost it for a bit… it’s coming back in large part thanks to my children, who are now older and encouraging it.”

The film carries poignant parallels to Jolie’s own life struggles. Having undergone significant medical procedures and the emotional turmoil of a lengthy divorce that began when she filed in 2016, Jolie’s character’s journey closely mirrors her recent past.

“My kids are almost all 18 now, so they want me to get out and explore the world,” she explained. “They know me more than anybody, and they still like me, which says a lot. I think they’re very encouraging of me kind of getting back to aspects of myself that maybe I hadn’t felt as free to do.” Jolie’s comments highlight the importance of her children as a source of motivation and emotional support during times of personal trial.

In addition to her film role, Jolie also expressed that her experiences have opened avenues for meaningful conversations about health, especially her personal cancer history. At a recent event, she emphasised the importance of discussing topics like the BRCA1 gene with her daughters, encouraging them to engage in conversations about their own health risks. “I’ve spoken to them… it got us into the conversation about the gene and maybe if they have it,” she noted. “All of us go through something in life.”

Jolie’s daughter, Zahara, recently graduated from Spelman College, a notable achievement that showcases the growth of Jolie’s children, whom she determinedly supports in their individual pursuits. Alongside Zahara, Jolie shares five other children with Pitt: twins Vivienne and Knox, Shiloh, Pax, and Maddox. According to a source, Jolie has fostered an environment encouraging her children to embrace their uniqueness. “She really encourages all the kids to embrace their individualities,” they commented, noting her unwavering support for their diverse interests and talents.

In her personal life, Jolie has been making strides to emphasise the importance of community and empathy. Recently, she hosted an intimate dinner in New York City celebrating cancer survivors, where she shared her belief that *Couture* offers valuable lessons about facing challenges. “It has something to say that I thought could be useful to people, showing how everyone is dealing with things that make us very human,” she said.

As the film *Couture* is set to hit theatres on June 26, 2024, Jolie hopes it will resonate with audiences, encouraging them to lean on each other through difficult times. Her journey, both on and off-screen, is a testament to resilience, revealing her desire to use her platform to foster understanding and compassion.

Ultimately, Jolie’s reflections underscore the profound bond she shares with her children, who play a crucial role in her personal and professional journey. Their support has facilitated her healing, enabling her to navigate both her role as a mother and her career as an actress while advocating for important issues surrounding health and resilience.

As she returns to her creative endeavours, Jolie continues to focus on the future, buoyed by the love and encouragement of her children, reminding us all of the strength that family can provide in times of need.