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Angelina Jolie has always been known for her bold choices, both in her personal life and her career. Before her much-publicized relationship with Brad Pitt, she was married to Billy Bob Thornton, a singer-songwriter and actor. Their relationship, which began in the early 2000s, stood out because of its unique and unconventional expressions of love. This included matching tattoos and even wearing vials of each other’s blood as necklaces.

However, their whirlwind romance came to an end in 2003, just three years after their marriage. Among the remnants of their intense relationship was a tattoo on Jolie’s body that included Thornton’s name. Many wonder if getting a tattoo for love is worth the trouble, especially if the love fades.
Why Did Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton Get Divorced?
Angelina JolieandBilly Bob Thorntonmet in 1999 while working together on the filmPushing Tin. At the time, Jolie had recently divorced her first husband, Jonny Lee Miller, while Thornton was engaged to actress Laura Dern. Despite their circumstances, the two developed feelings for each other, leading them to elope and marry in Las Vegas in 2000.
Their relationship was known for its intensity and passion, with the couple famously wearing vials of each other’s blood as necklaces. However, their whirlwind romance came to an unexpected end in 2003, just three years after they tied the knot. Fans and the media were surprised, leading to widespread speculation about the reasons behind their separation.

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Thornton later explained that their different lifestyles played a significant role in their breakup. TheFargoactor said in aHFPA in Conversation podcast,
We just had different lifestyles. Hers is a global lifestyle and mine is an agoraphobic lifestyle. So that’s really, that’s the only reason we’re probably not still together, maybe. There was a different path in life we wanted to take.

Jolie was living a global, high-profile life. She often traveled for her work and humanitarian efforts. Compared to that, Thornton preferred a quieter, more reclusive lifestyle. These opposing needs and styles of living ultimately drove them apart.
Despite their divorce, there appears to be no lingering bitterness between them. Thornton’s son, Harry James Thornton, has mentioned that Jolie still maintains a friendly relationship with the family.She even sends him Christmas giftsevery year.

Did Angelina Jolie Get Billy Bob Thornton’s Tattoo Removed?
When Angelina Jolie first rose to fame, her edgy tattoos became a signature part of her look. Among these was a dragon tattoo with “Billy Bob” written above it which was a tribute to her then-husband Billy Bob Thornton. Over the years, however, her tattoos have evolved to show her journey, her struggles, and the people who matter most to her, including her six children.
After her divorce from Thornton, Jolie decided to remove the tattoo dedicated to him. Instead of simply erasing it, she creatively replaced it. Today, the tattoo on her right arm displays the coordinates of her children’s birthplaces and even the birthplace of her former husband, Brad Pitt.

angelina jolie’s back tattoos appreciation a̶n̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶r̶s̶t̶ postpic.twitter.com/AT1tAyi0nZ
Jolie now has over 20 tattoos, each holding special meaning, from small symbols to intricate cultural designs that cover her back. These tattoos tell the story of her life, focusing on the significant moments and relationships that have shaped her.
Billy Bob Thornton Talked About the Media Frenzy Over Their Blood Necklaces
Before Angelina Jolie marriedBrad Pitt, she was in a highly publicized relationship with actor Billy Bob Thornton. Their romance made headlines not just for their matching tattoos but also for their unique way of expressing love. They wore necklaces containing each other’s blood. This unusual gesture caught massive media attention and became a defining element of their relationship in the public eye.
However, Thornton later clarified that the media exaggerated the story. He explained that the necklaces were far simpler than they were portrayed, involving just small vials with a tiny drop of each other’s blood. He said (viaPeople):
A lot of the things they said about us at the time were exaggerated. It wasn’t as crazy as people wrote about it. The necklaces were a very simple thing, ‘Hey let’s poke our fingers with a pen and smear a little blood on there and when we’re away from each other we’ll wear the necklace.’
It was that easy. But by the time it came out in the press it sounded like we were wearing a bucket of blood around our necks.
What began as a personal, symbolic gesture turned into a sensationalized story. The reports suggested something far more dramatic than it was in reality.
Thornton also spoke highly of Jolie, complimenting her dedication to her beliefs and creative pursuits. Despite their separation, he respects her as a person and a filmmaker. The two have remained friendly, with Thornton frequently expressing admiration for Jolie’s work and her strong principles.
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In contrast, Jolie’s split from Brad Pitt has been much more tumultuous. Although they were declared legally single in 2019, their divorce proceedings have dragged on since their separation in 2016. The ongoing legal battles have kept their relationship in the spotlight for years
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Divorce Has Dragged on For Eight Years
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce has stretched on for eight years, making it one of Hollywood’s longest-running battles. The two met in 2005 while filmingMr. and Mrs. Smith, a time when Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Shortly after, Pitt and Aniston announced their divorce, sparking rumors that his growing closeness with Jolie played a role. Though never confirmed, Pitt began dating Jolie not long after his split.
After a decade together and raising their family, Pitt and Jolie tied the knot in 2014. However, their marriage was short-lived. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, just two years later, leaving many surprised at how quickly things fell apart.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Legal Battle Over the Sale of $500 Million French Winery, Explained
What initially seemed like a straightforward divorce has turned into a prolonged and contentious process. The couple has faced disagreements over child custody, financial matters, andeven ownership disputes over their French winery. These ongoing legal battles have kept their separation in the headlines, showing how complex and challenging high-profile divorces can become.
Sohini Mukherjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :331
Sohini Mukherjee is an Evergreen writer at FandomWire, specializing in pop culture, all things sitcoms, and, of course, Harry Potter. She has a soft spot for shows like Modern Family and pretty much any movie that knows how to tell a good story. You’ll find her name on listicles and long form articles that feel more like fun conversations than stiff articles. Having published over 300 articles, Sohini always brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the stories she covers.