Los Angeles, CA – After years of planning amidst a complicated custody battle, Angelina Jolie is set to relocate abroad as her youngest children reach adulthood. The celebrated actress and humanitarian, who turns 51 this year, has expressed a gradual disconnection from the cultural and political climate in the United States, prompting her decision to start anew overseas.
Sources close to Jolie indicate she had always intended to leave Los Angeles but was anchored by custody obligations to her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. The forthcoming 18th birthday of her twins, Vivienne and Knox, on July 12, will dissolve those ties, giving Jolie the latitude to pursue her aspirations of living internationally—a plan that has been in her thoughts for many years.
Jolie’s anticipated departure is part of a broader strategy to shift her family’s base away from the public eye. She is reportedly preparing to sell her Los Angeles home, a historic $24.5 million estate bought in 2017. The property, featuring six bedrooms and ten bathrooms over 11,000 square feet, boasts a rich Hollywood pedigree, once owned by legendary director Cecil B. DeMille and neighbored by Charlie Chaplin.
During a recent appearance at the San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain for a promotional event, Jolie was candid about her mixed feelings towards her home country. While she professed her love for the U.S., she also lamented its unrecognizable alteration over recent years. Jolie highlighted her global, inclusive perspective on life, advocating for unity and freedom from divisiveness.
Jolie’s life has been marked by significant international influences, from her humanitarian work in conflict zones and refugee camps to her personal family ties across the globe. She expressed that her decision to move is driven by more than just political discontent; it’s about providing a serene and secure environment for her large family, emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety.
The actress’s connection to Cambodia runs deep, as it was there she adopted her eldest son, Maddox, in 2002. Her initial visit in 2001 had a profound impact, drawing her into the world of refugee advocacy and reshaping her personal and professional life. Over the years, Cambodia has become a second home for Jolie, who purchased property there in 2003, further solidifying her bond with the country.
Following her highly publicized divorce from Pitt, finalized in December 2024 after an eight-year legal tussle, Jolie has been more outspoken about her aspirations and the reasons behind her intended move. Her humanitarian efforts, along with her diverse family, have shaped a worldview that advocates for shared humanity and social justice, elements she feels are currently strained in the United States.
Jolie has always maintained that her choices around adoption were driven by a deep-seated belief in providing a family for those without. This principle, she notes, has delivered insights and growth not only for the children she adopted but also for her biological children with Pitt, enriching the family in ways she could not have anticipated.
As the move draws nearer, Jolie is reportedly finalizing minor renovations on her Los Angeles property before it hits the market. Her look towards potential homes in Europe and New York underscores her commitment to finding an environment that supports her ideals of tranquility and protection for her family.
With the winding down of her days in Los Angeles, Jolie concludes a chapter defined as much by her cinematic achievements as by her personal battles and victories. Her impending departure marks a significant transition, portraying a shift in lifestyle that seeks to harmonize her public persona with her private aspirations of living a fuller, more globally integrated life.