Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Two of Her Daughters Undergoing Surgery This Year
Angelina Jolie has revealed that two of her daughters—Zahara and Vivienne—have undergone surgery in the last two months.
In an essay written for TIME magazine to celebrate International Women's Day on Sunday March 8, the mother of six wrote about caring for her daughters who recently underwent surgery.
"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 actress wrote of two of her daughters.
"They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write. They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of."
The actress has six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Their father is Brad Pitt, from whom Jolie split in 2016.
The 44-year-old continued, describing how she felt watching her daughters care for each other, with her youngest daughter Vivienne observing the nurses and then offering up her help when she knew what to do.
"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," she added.
"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."
While Jolie notes that her sons were "supportive and sweet" for their sisters, the Eternals star–who wrote the essay from hospital–found herself focussing on her daughters and what she has learned from them and other women around the world.
To honor International Women's Day, Jolie encouraged her readers to "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," she wrote.
"And my message to girls is, fight on, little ladies. Your care for each other will be a large part of your way forward. Hold your nerve. Know your rights. And never let anyone tell you that you are not precious and special and, above all, equal."
In her exclusive essay for ELLE U.K.'s September issue last year, Jolie wrote of her pride for her children.
"I could not be prouder of my sons for the men they are becoming, the way they respect their sisters and are respected by them..." she penned.
"I often tell my daughters that the most important thing they can do is to develop their minds. You can always put on a pretty dress, but it doesn’t matter what you wear on the outside if your mind isn’t strong. There is nothing more attractive – you might even say enchanting – than a woman with an independent will and her own opinions."
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