Zahara Jolie is officially a college graduate. The 21-year-old crossed the stage at Spelman College on May 17, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology — all smiles as she soaked up the moment, with Angelina proudly watching from the crowd. She also minored in educational studies, opening the door to careers in advocacy, counseling, education, or nonprofit work.
When Zahara appeared onstage to accept her diploma, she was introduced as Zahara Marley Jolie — seemingly confirming she had dropped her father’s last name. It wasn’t a surprise to those who’ve been paying attention. While joining the Mu Pi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman a few years back, she had already introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie.
Just weeks before graduation, Zahara spoke at a mother-daughter brunch for the Pearl of Purpose Foundation in Atlanta, where Angelina attended as well. She opened up about her close relationship with her mom, saying: “My mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words. This has never stopped my mom from being curious about all that I’m learning in and outside of my classrooms at Spelman.” She also declared: “She is the most selfless, loving, and understanding woman that I get to call my mom.”
That mother-daughter bond was on full display at graduation — but Brad Pitt was conspicuously absent. Sources close to Angelina tell TMZ that “Zahara’s mom and siblings, who have been involved over the four very special years, were present and cheering her and her Spelman sisters on.” The source added pointedly: “Nothing prevented him from showing up for her. Or ever visiting her. The day was about all she accomplished. Not whether he was willing to attend.” TMZ is told Brad did not contact anyone about getting a ticket to the ceremony.
Brad and Angelina were married in 2016 but divorced two years later, with the split finalized in 2024 after eight years of legal battles. Zahara isn’t alone in distancing herself from her father — on her 18th birthday, Shiloh filed court documents to remove “Pitt” from her last name, and Vivienne and Maddox have also taken steps to go simply by Jolie.
But she wanted to change her! From Brad Pitt ! Just like the son! So sometimes you can understand why he didt go! He paid child support. And maybe still is.