Jolie, Pitt divorce
After two years of marriage and more than a decade together, Jolie files for divorce from Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. Jolie is seeking physical custody of their six children, suggesting Pitt get visitation rights. Jolie is not seeking spousal support. Jolie’s manager:
Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest of taking care of her family. She appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time.
Jolie’s attorney:
The decision was made] for the health of the family. [Jolie] will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time.
Ovaries removed
Jolie undergoes a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to have her ovaries removed, after her doctor warns her that she could have cancer. She is entering early menopause and can no longer have children. Describing the process:
Your CA-125 is normal,” he said. I breathed a sigh of relief. That test measures the amount of the protein CA-125 in the blood, and is used to monitor ovarian cancer. I have it every year because of my family history. But that wasn’t all. He went on. “There are a number of inflammatory markers that are elevated, and taken together they could be a sign of early cancer.” I took a pause. “CA-125 has a 50 to 75 percent chance of missing ovarian cancer at early stages,” he said. He wanted me to see the surgeon immediately to check my ovaries.
I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren. I called my husband in France, who was on a plane within hours. The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity. You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful. That same day I went to see the surgeon, who had treated my mother. I last saw her the day my mother passed away, and she teared up when she saw me: “You look just like her.” I broke down. But we smiled at each other and agreed we were there to deal with any problem, so “let’s get on with it.
Regardless of the hormone replacements I’m taking, I am now in menopause. I will not be able to have any more children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared.
Misses events due to chicken pox
Jolie releases a public announcement to let her fans know why she will be missing all the upcoming events for her film Unbroken.
I just wanted to be clear and honest about why I will be missing the Unbroken events in the next few days, which is, I found last night that I have chicken pox. I will be home itching and missing everyone, and I can’t believe it because this film means so much to me I can’t believe it! But such is life. There it is. I send everyone my love and hope everything goes well.
Jolie, Pitt marry
Jolie and Pitt get married after nine years and six kids together. The wedding is held at Château Miraval in the village of Correns, where the couple first settled as a family.
We’re just waiting for it to be the right time with the kids, with work, when it feels right. We talk about it occasionally, and the kids talk about it with us.
Cast in ‘By the Sea’
Jolie and Pitt are set to share the screen once again in By the Sea. The upcoming dramatic film is written and directed by Jolie, who is also co-producing with Pitt. It will be the couple’s first time together in film since 2005, when they co-starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith
It’s not a big movie, it’s not an action movie. It’s the kind of movie we love but aren’t often cast in. It’s a very experimental, independent-type film where we get to be actors together and be really raw, open, try things. I am very happy to continue my relationship with [Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley] and the entire Universal team as I finish Unbroken and begin work on By the Sea. They have created a very special place for storytellers, and I look forward to the continued passion and support they have provided to me as a filmmaker.
Double mastectomy
Jolie finds out out she is carrying the BRCA1 gene which gives her an 87% of contracting breast cancer. As a preventive measure she has a double mastectomy, reducing the chances of her getting the disease to less than 5%. She writes an op-ed in the New York Times about her experience:
I am fortunate to have a partner, Brad Pitt, who is so loving and supportive. So to anyone who has a wife or girlfriend going through this, know that you are a very important part of the transition. Brad was at the Pink Lotus Breast Center, where I was treated, for every minute of the surgeries. We managed to find moments to laugh together. We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer. And it has.
I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer. It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that’s it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was. And they know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can. On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.
The reconstructive surgery lasts through April. Jolie is also told she has a 50% of contracting ovarian cancer but will deal with that at a later time.
Pitt, Jolie engaged
Pitt and Jolie are officially engaged after a nearly seven year relationship, and establishing a family of six children. Jolie’s ring is personally designed by Pitt, and took over a year to perfect. Jewelry designer Robert Procop states:
Brad was always heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution. The side diamonds are specially cut to encircle her finger.
Pregnant with twins
The actress announces she is pregnant with twins. The new additions will bring the number of children she has with Pitt to six.
We weren’t expecting twins. So it did shock us, and we jumped to six [children] quickly. But we like a challenge… It’s great for the sex life. It just makes you a lot more creative. So you have fun, and as a woman you’re just so round and full.
Thornton, Jolie divorce
Jolie files for divorce, stating in her petition that the couple has been separated since June 3, and requesting full custody of the couple’s adopted son Maddox. Jolie says:
It was a real deep connection, a deep marriage, so it’s not that simple to say this or that one thing caused the problems. It’s clear to me that our priorities shifted overnight. We’re not divorced yet. We’re going through a difficult time. I’m not sure what will happen.
First serious boyfriend
Jolie temporarily abandons acting, and embarks on her first long-term relationship.
One of my boyfriends lived with me at my [mother’s] house when I was just 14. It was the smartest thing my mother could have done because, this way, we weren’t hanging out in a park together. We lived like a married couple for two years. By the time I was 16, I wanted my freedom and wanted to focus on work.