Zahara Jolie Opens Up About Her ‘Unique’ Connection with Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s eldest daughter, Zahara, shared insights into their special bond, highlighting how her “superhero” mother serves as an inspiration.
During a recent Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority event at Spelman College in Atlanta, the 21-year-old made a rare comment about her relationship with Jolie, mentioning that “it felt challenging to find the words” when asked about the significance of mother-daughter connections.
“It’s not challenging because I don’t value it, but rather because my mom and I share a unique, almost kindred bond that is difficult to articulate,” she explained to a gathering of women in a video shared via X on Sunday, April 26.
Jolie, 50, stood by Zahara as the college student discussed their relationship following her adoption in 2005. (Jolie shares Zahara with ex-husband Brad Pitt, along with children Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17.)
“Our love for each other is a beautiful one. I was adopted at six months old and surrounded by the most loving siblings,” Zahara shared. “With a mom who instilled the importance of kindness, helping others, and personal growth.”
Zahara, now serving as vice president of her sorority, emphasized that “these values may seem simple, but in a world that often overlooks kindness and where helping others comes with a price, I am thankful to have a role model who exemplifies what it means to be a good human.”
Zahara expressed, “For any daughters here who see their mom as a superhero and wonder how she does it, it’s something I’ve been trying to understand my entire life.”
She went on to describe the Maleficent actress as “the most selfless, loving, and understanding woman I am lucky to call my mom.”
Later in her speech, Zahara discussed the challenges of growing up in the public eye alongside her five siblings. She reflected on how, as she left for college, she was uncertain how Jolie and her siblings would evolve alongside her as she forged her own path.
“The public nature of our lives makes finding intimate moments difficult due to the many eyes on us,” Zahara noted, adding, “Yet, this has never deterred my mom from being genuinely interested in what I’m learning, both inside and outside my Spelman classrooms.”
Zahara remarked that her aspiration to pursue a career in “youth development and mentorship for young girls” is influenced by Jolie’s charitable work and inherent goodness.
“I often recall a quote I came across years ago: ‘I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me,’” Zahara stated, glancing at Jolie. “Thank you, Mom.”
Jolie was married to Pitt, 62, for two years before filing for divorce in September 2016.
The ex-couple was legally declared single in November 2019, yet continued to face a legal battle over custody of their children. The proceedings concluded in December 2024.
“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they shared, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,” Jolie’s lawyer James Simon stated to Us Weekly at the time. “This represents just one part of an ongoing process that began over eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is fatigued, but relieved that this portion is complete.”
Pitt commented on the finalization of the divorce in May 2025, telling GQ that he felt no “relief.” He explained, “I don’t think it was that significant of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally.”
