Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter Zahara Jolie graduated from college and appeared to make a subtle but noticeable statement about her estranged relationship with her famous father. While celebrating a major academic achievement, Zahara honored her mom in more ways than one.
The 21-year-old graduated from Spelman College, proudly walking across the stage during the historically Black women’s college commencement ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. When called to receive her diploma, Zahara was introduced as “Zahara Marley Jolie.”
© FilmMagicZahara and several of her siblings have also distanced themselves publicly from the Pitt surname. She was adopted by Jolie and Pitt in 2005 from Ethiopia when she was just six months old.
Despite having two of the most recognizable stars as parents, she has largely stayed out of the spotlight compared to her siblings Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. Still, her graduation appearance reignited public interest in the family’s ongoing estrangement from Brad Pitt.
Zahara’s decision to go by “Jolie” first appeared publicly during her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority induction ceremony in late 2023, where she introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie.”
© Women in Training, Inc./Mega./The Grosby GroupOnline reactions to her graduation quickly poured in, as many people were stunned by how quickly time had passed since she first enrolled at Spelman. “It’s been four years? My goodness time is flying,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another added: “Her kids’ career and educational choices are so diverse, and I love that,” one commenter wrote. “It shows that she really supports their interests. She’s a great mom.”
According to Mail Online, Zahara graduated with a degree in psychology and a minor in educational studies, opening the door to careers in advocacy, counseling, education, or nonprofit work. Throughout her time at Spelman, she frequently participated in community-focused initiatives and sorority events tied to leadership and social impact.
© FilmMagicWeeks before graduation, Zahara spoke about her close relationship with her mother during an emotional speech: “When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” Zahara said during the event. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words.”
She continued by reflecting on being adopted: “Our love for each other is a found one,” Zahara explained. “I was adopted at 6 months old and given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings, with a mom who raised us on the value of helping others, being kind and always striving for growth as people.”
© Getty Images for Palm Springs In“These values may sound simple, but in a world where kindness is overlooked and helping others comes at a cost, I am grateful to have had a role model to show me what it looks like to be a decent human being,” she added, focused entirely on her mother and siblings, without mentioning Pitt.
The college milestone comes weeks after Jolie reportedly scored a legal victory in her ongoing dispute with Pitt over ownership of their French winery, Château Miraval.
© Getty Images for NetflixAngelina Jolie also listed her historic Los Angeles estate, once owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, for nearly $30 million, as reports continue to circulate about her plans to spend more time outside the United States.
