Angelina Jolie's Daughter Zahara, 21, Speaks About Her 'Kindred' Relationship with Her Mom, Addresses Growing Up in the Public Eye
Angelina Jolie's Daughter Zahara, 21, Speaks About Her 'Kindred' Relationship with Her Mom, Addresses Growing Up in the Public Eye
Hannah SacksMon, April 27, 2026 at 3:29 PM UTC
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Angelina Jolie and Zahara Jolie attend the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards in January 2025.Credit: Presley Ann/Getty -
Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara reflected on her "kindred" bond with her mom during a speech at a mother-daughter brunch in Atlanta
The Spelman College senior credited Jolie for inspiring her values of kindness and helping others
Zahara shared how Jolie's humanitarian work influenced her leadership roles and passion for mentoring young girls
Angelina Jolie's oldest daughter Zahara is opening up about her relationship with her mom.
The 21-year-old daughter of Jolie spoke at a mother-daughter brunch for the Pearls of Purpose Foundation on Sunday, April 26 in Atlanta. Zahara, who is a graduating senior at Spelman College majoring in psychology and minoring in educational studies, spoke of her "unique" and "kindred" relationship with her famous mother as she addressed the audience.
"When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words," began Zahara, per a video on Instagram. "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."
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Angelina Jolie and her daughter Zahara Jolie attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards.Credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty
"Our love for each other is a found one. I was adopted at 6 months old and given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings, with a mom who raised us on the value of helping others, being kind and always striving for growth as people," she continued. "These values may sound simple, but in a world where kindness is overlooked and helping others comes at a cost, I am grateful to have had a role model to show me what it looks like to be a decent human being."
Zahara went on to say that other daughters in the room might understand the idea of thinking of her mom as a superhero. She said she's been trying to understand her whole life how Jolie "does it."
"She’s the most selfless, loving and understanding woman who I get to call my mom," said Zahara of Jolie, explaining that she knew going to college and getting accepted into a sorority was a big change for her.
Angelina Jolie with her kids in February 2019.Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty
"Early on, I realized it would be challenging to include my mom and family in these worlds without being able to directly share the effects," she said. "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."
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"This has never stopped my mom from being curious about all that I’m learning in and outside of my classrooms at Spelman and having many understandable questions about sorority life and my experiences," Zahara continued. "My family embraces the newness and strives to understand these meaningful organizations in my life as I share my experiences."
Zahara shared that watching Jolie's humanitarian work across the world has "rubbed off" on her and that as the oldest sister, she often took on the "second mother role."
"I loved caring for my younger siblings and mirroring the care and compassion my mom showed us," she said.
Angelina Jolie and her kids attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" on October 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The college student, who currently serves as vice president of the Mu Phi chapter of her sorority and wants to pursue a career in youth development or mentorship with young girls, added that she's been drawn to leadership roles while in school.
"Through my matriculation, I have witnessed the joy and challenges that come with mentorship and the importance of having positive role models," said Zahara. "We all know that we do not get where we are solely on our merit."
"I think back to a quote I saw years ago that said, ‘I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me,' " she ended her speech, turning to face Jolie. "Thank you, Mom."
Alongside Zahara, Jolie is mom to twins Vivienne and Knox, 17, plus daughter Shiloh, 19, and sons Pax, 22, and Maddox, 24.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
