In honor of International Women’s Day in 2020, Angelina Jolie penned an op-ed for TIME magazine that detailed how two of her daughters had recently suffered “medical challenges.” Both girls — Zahara Jolie-Pitt (then 15) and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (then 13) — underwent surgery and reportedly helped each other through the difficult time in their young lives. “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,” Angelina wrote in the TIME op-ed. She confirmed that both girls were aware of the essay, and had even encouraged their mother to put it all down on paper. Moreover, the Oscar-winning star shared, “They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.”
Although she did not go into detail about what kind of surgeries Zahara had undergone, Angelina spoke of the bond between Zahara and Shiloh. “My youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time. 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,” Angelina wrote. “I also watched them face their fears with a resolute bravery.” Angelina herself is no stranger to medical procedures, having undergone a preventative double mastectomy in 2013. Clearly, her bravery has inspired her children.
