Hours after a New York Times op-ed piece revealed that actress Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, her partner Brad Pitt talked about why she went public.
After discovering that she carried the same BRCA1 gene mutation that led to the early death of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, in 2007, the actress opted to greatly lessen her chances of developing cancer by undergoing breast removal surgery.
Pitt told USA TODAY, “I’m quite emotional about if, of course. She could have stayed absolutely private about it and I don’t think anyone would have been the wiser with such good results. But it was really important for her to share the story so that others would understand it doesn’t have to be a scary thing. In fact, it can be an empowering thing, and something that makes you stronger and us stronger.”
“The experience was an emotional and beautifully inspiring few months. And I’ll tell you, it’s such a wonderful relief to come through this and not have a spectre hanging over our heads. To know that it’s not going to be something that’s going to affect us. My proudest thing is our family. This isn’t going to get that.”
Jolie had kind words for Brad as well, “I am fortunate to have a partner who is so loving and supportive. So to anyone who has a wife or girlfriend going through this, know that you are a very important part of the transition.”
The couple’s six children were a big help too. Pitt revealed, “We set up our own little post-op recovery that became pretty fun. You make an adventure out of it.”
Photo Credit: WENN