Jolie confirms split

Jul 17, 2002 by Ian Evans

Angelina Jolie has confirmed rumours that she and her husband, Billy Bob Thornton, have separated.

The Oscar®-winning actress told Us Weekly that she and her husband of two years have been living apart for four months.

“Sometimes you don’t see things coming, even though they are happening. 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,” she said in the interview.

It appears the couple’s adoption of a Cambodian orphan may have come between them.

“He’s focused on his music and his career,” said Jolie. “I’m focused on my baby. (Maddox) is so important to me. It comes down to what’s important to you. Good for him. But I have other priorities.”

It’s the second marriage for Jolie and the fifth for Thornton. Jolie wasn’t sure if divorce would be the next step.

Thornton’s spokesman had no comment.