Brad Pitt’s Post-Divorce Struggle: The Hollywood Icon’s Emotional Journey to Reconnect with His Kids — Especially Son Pax

Hollywood’s golden boy Brad Pitt may have conquered red carpets and Oscar stages, but behind the scenes, the A-list star has been facing his most personal and emotional challenge yet — rebuilding the broken bond with his children following his high-profile split from Angelina Jolie.

It’s been nearly eight years since Brangelina called it quits in 2016, and while the divorce headlines may have faded, the emotional impact on their six children is still unfolding. Now, Pitt, 60, is making heartfelt efforts to mend fences and reconnect, especially with his adopted son, Pax Jolie-Pitt.

Sources close to the once-unshakable star tell E! News that Pitt has been “quietly putting in the work” to heal the rift with his kids. While his rapport with some of his younger children remains intact, the real emotional heavy-lifting seems focused on navigating the complicated relationship with now 20-year-old Pax.

“Brad’s relationship with Pax has been strained for years,” an insider reveals. “There’s a lot of pain there, built up over time, but Brad’s never stopped wanting to fix it.” According to the source, the actor has described his dynamic with Pax as the “most heartbreaking” part of the post-divorce fallout.

Let’s rewind: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie share six children — Maddox (22), Pax (20), Zahara (19), Shiloh (17), and twins Knox and Vivienne (15). Since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing "irreconcilable differences" following a now-infamous private jet incident, the custody battle has been long, messy, and emotionally charged.

Court documents and leaked reports painted a grim picture, with some of the older kids reportedly distancing themselves from their father. Over the years, Pax and Maddox have largely stayed out of the public eye but have occasionally made headlines for their alleged estranged relationships with Pitt. While neither son has spoken publicly about their father, media leaks have suggested emotional hurdles that have complicated any chance of reconciliation.

However, as Pitt moves further into his 60s and continues to work on personal growth and healing, sources say he’s more committed than ever to making amends—not for headlines or image rehab, but for the sake of his family.

“He’s been in therapy, he’s taken accountability for past mistakes, and he’s trying,” another source shares with us. “Brad knows it won’t be easy, especially with Pax, but he’s hoping time and sincerity will eventually help bridge the gap.”

The actor reportedly remains in touch with his biological children — Shiloh and the twins — who have occasionally been seen visiting him or spending discreet holidays together. “The younger ones have a more open line of communication with Brad, and that gives him hope,” the insider explains.

The world caught a glimpse of these complicated family dynamics in recent months, after Pitt was noticeably absent from major milestones in his children's lives. With Zahara starting college at Spelman and Shiloh embarking on new creative projects, the public has noticed that Jolie has remained the dominant parental presence.

But don’t count Brad out just yet. Despite facing years of legal battles, emotional fallout, and public scrutiny, he appears more focused than ever on mending what matters most—the broken relationships with his kids.

“He’s not asking for perfection; he’s asking for a second chance,” says the source. “Especially with Pax.”

While neither Brad nor Angelina has spoken publicly in recent months about the children or the state of their co-parenting relationship, close observers say there’s been a shift. Brad has been laying low in L.A., focusing on his art, his architecture projects, and yes—his emotional reconnection journey.

The actor, who recently wrapped filming on his upcoming Formula 1 movie, has been spotted leading a more grounded lifestyle. “He’s not the party guy people once saw in the tabloids. He’s mellowed out. He’s thinking long-term—especially about his legacy with his children.”

Only time will tell whether Pax and the rest of the Jolie-Pitt clan will feel ready to embrace that olive branch. But one thing is clear: Brad Pitt is making moves not just in Hollywood, but in his heart.

And that, dear readers, may be the most important role of his life.

Stay with us for more updates on this developing celebrity family story.

Tags: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt children, Jolie-Pitt kids, Pax Jolie-Pitt, Brad Pitt reconnection, celebrity families, Hollywood divorce, Brad Pitt Pax relationship

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