Angelina Jolie reveals her daughters Zahara and Shiloh underwent surgeries due to 'medical challenges'
Angelina Jolie recently opened up about how two of her daughters are recovering from surgery and how the experience taught her valuable lessons in life. The 44-year-old 'Maleficent' star shared the news in an essay she wrote marking International Women's Day.
"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 hip surgery," the Oscar winner wrote without naming her daughters. The essay was published in Time magazine.
"They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write. They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of," she shared.
Jolie is mother to 18-year-old Maddox, 16-year-old Pax, 15-year-old Zahara, 13-year-old Shiloh and 11-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox, whom she shares with ex Brad Pitt.
The 'Salt' star said her daughters "encouraged" her to write the piece despite the private nature of the operations.
"They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of," she explained in the essay, titled Why Girls Deserve Love and Respect on International Women's Day.
Jolie also praised her sons, who she said were "supportive and sweet" while their sisters recovered. However, she wanted to focus on her daughters on the special day.
"Little girls' softness, their openness and instinct to nurture and help others, must be appreciated and not abused. We must do much more to protect them, in all societies. Not only against the extreme ways girls' rights are often violated, but also the more subtle injustices and attitudes that so often go unnoticed or excused," Jolie wrote.
"So my wish on this day is that we value girls. Care for them. And know that the stronger they grow, the healthier they will be and the more they will give back to their family and community," she added.
In an update, pictures show Shiloh was seen using crutches as she stepped out of a car, while Zahara walked unaided, with the pair followed by their mum, according to a Metro report.
