Billy Bob Thornton Reflects on His Bond With Angelina Jolie More Than Two Decades After Their Split

Billy Bob Thornton says his bond with Angelina Jolie endures well after their 2000–2003 marriage. He notes that they remain close friends, and that their time together ranks among the best periods of his life. The pair split in a civil way as Jolie pursued different paths and Thornton reflected on the intense glare of fame that surrounded their relationship.

Now 70, Thornton recalled how they could hardly step out without scrutiny and how even ordinary remarks could become sound bites. He also addressed the long-standing rumor about wearing each other’s blood in tiny lockets, clarifying that it began as a playful idea and was never the wild romance some stories claimed. He emphasized that their romance was real, but the mythology around it grew out of control.

Thornton, who has been married six times, noted that Jolie, now 50, has echoed his sentiments about their connection and their fondness for each other. He described their breakup as civil and rooted in different lifestyles, adding that looking back, some aspects of their era felt wild and surreal.

He also reflected on the public obsession with celebrity couples and how it shaped their experience. The actor recalled that they could barely go anywhere without the spectacle of fame and that even statements they made could be turned into headlines.

Jolie has spoken similarly about Thornton. In a decade-old interview, she expressed that she still loves him and is proud to have been his wife, choosing not to dwell on regrets. Her message has consistently aligned with Thornton’s view of maintaining care and respect for one another even after their separation.

Beyond this relationship, the article notes that many former couples manage to remain amicable. It highlights a variety of stars who continue to support one another or co-parent effectively, illustrating that lasting friendliness can exist after a breakup.