LOS ANGELES: Angelina Jolie is facing the emotional challenges of the empty-nester stage as her children, particularly her sons, begin to carve out their own lives away from her.
The actress, known for her hands-on approach to motherhood, has been actively involved in the lives of her six children — Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
Despite her high-profile career and public persona, Jolie has always prioritised her family.
During her marriage to Brad Pitt, the pair were deeply committed to raising their children, balancing the demands of their acting careers with family life.
However, as her children grow older, Jolie is adjusting to the reality that her kids are becoming more independent.
According to media reports citing sources close to the actress, Jolie is struggling with the departure of her children from the family home, particularly as they move out and embrace their newfound independence.
In an interview with The New York Times, Jolie opened up about her upcoming relocation to New York.
The move is part of her plan to distance herself from the constant spotlight of Los Angeles.
However, due to custody arrangements with her ex-husband Pitt, she is unable to fully settle in New York until her youngest children, Vivienne and Knox, turn 18.
Despite these limitations, Jolie has already given one of her sons her former New York apartment, a space she bought when she was in her 20s.
During the interview, Jolie humorously recounted an experience where she tried to visit the apartment, only to be met with a request from her son to “give me a day to clean.”
While she laughed off the request, sources have revealed that this moment deeply hurt the actress, highlighting the growing distance between them.
An insider shared with Radar Online that it “really hurt” when her son didn’t want to see her.
“She tried to laugh it off, but it was a knife in the heart and one more reminder that she’s no longer the centre of her kids’ universe,” the source added.
The apartment, once a symbol of her independent life in New York, now serves as a base for her children when they need it.
However, Jolie has expressed her heartache over the changing dynamics.
“She would love to move them all to New York and get a place big enough for all of them, but she can’t do that for at least another two years, not until Knox and Vivienne turn 18,” the source explained.
“She’s feeling very isolated and really struggling to adjust.”
With her children becoming more independent, Jolie is said to be grappling with loneliness, which sources attribute to her focus on motherhood.
“Instead of creating a new life for herself, she focused solely on her kids,” the insider claimed. “Now that they don’t need her in the same way, she’s totally lost.”
Jolie’s children’s increasing independence is also affecting her emotional well-being, as they spend more time away from home.
“The kids have grown up and become more independent and moved out – or are close to moving out – and Angelina isn’t handling it well at all. They’re spending an increasing amount of time away – and she’s desperately lonely,” the source added.
