Billy Bob Thornton Reveals the Reason He and Angelina Jolie Divorced Despite Having a ‘Great Time Together’

Billy Bob Thornton is opening up about why his marriage to Angelina Jolie came to an end — and why he feels so settled in his life now.

The Landman star, 70, recently reflected on his six marriages in a conversation with Rolling Stone. Thornton has been with his sixth wife, Connie Angland, for more than two decades; the pair, who eventually wed in 2014, share a daughter, Bella, now 21. He also has three other children from previous relationships.

Looking back on his romantic history, Thornton joked that some of his earlier trips down the aisle weren’t exactly the result of long-term planning. He explained that a few of those marriages came out of spur-of-the-moment decisions, like nights when someone suggested getting married and he simply went along with it. “At least I was trying,” he said of his past relationships.

Thornton was married to Jolie, his fifth wife, from 2000 to 2003, and he remembers that time with real fondness. He said they “had a great time together” and called that period “one of the greatest times” of his life. According to the actor, their split wasn’t driven by drama or resentment but by practicality: their lifestyles simply didn’t align anymore, and they chose to part ways on good terms. He added that he and Jolie remain “very, very close friends” and described their separation as a “civilized breakup.”

Thornton also recalled how intense the public attention on their relationship became. When they first met, he said, he was the more recognizable name. But once they got together, media interest in them as a celebrity couple exploded. The scrutiny made everyday life difficult, as photographers and the public followed their every move, and casual remarks could quickly be turned into memorable sound bites.

Jolie’s romantic history has also included other high-profile relationships. Before marrying Thornton, she was wed to Jonny Lee Miller. After their divorce and her later marriage to Brad Pitt — with whom she shares six children — Jolie and Miller remained on good terms.

In February 2025, while looking back on her career during an appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Oscar winner mentioned that she and Miller, 53, are still friends, especially when discussing their 1995 film Hackers. She shared that they stay in touch and noted that their sons are the same age, adding that she’s grateful for the friendly relationship they’ve maintained over the years.