Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie’s whirlwind romance was one of the most talked-about relationships of the early 2000s. Their unconventional marriage, marked by public displays of affection, including the infamous vials of each other’s blood, captivated the media and left fans curious about the inner workings of their relationship. However, after just three years of marriage, they announced their divorce in 2003, shocking the public and leaving many to wonder: what really went wrong?

Now, nearly two decades later, Billy Bob Thornton has finally opened up about the reasons behind the dissolution of his marriage to the Academy Award-winning actress. In a candid interview, Thornton shared insights into their relationship, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of their time together.

At the peak of their romance, Thornton and Jolie were inseparable. Their relationship was full of passion, spontaneity, and intrigue. However, despite their intense connection, it soon became clear that they had differing life priorities. According to Thornton, the primary issue was their drastically different lifestyles and the contrasting approaches they had toward their careers and personal lives.

In the interview, Thornton explained, “I think we were just in different places in our lives. I wanted a simpler, quieter life, and she wanted to be a global humanitarian, traveling the world and constantly in the spotlight.” Jolie, known for her tireless humanitarian work with the United Nations, often traveled to war-torn countries, while Thornton preferred a more private life away from the cameras.

Despite their differences, Thornton emphasized that he has deep respect for Jolie’s personal mission and the work she does. “She’s always been a force for good, and I admire her for that. But, at the end of the day, we wanted different things, and that’s what led us to part ways,” he said.

Thornton also touched on how their relationship was exacerbated by the pressure of fame. As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after couples, they were constantly in the media spotlight, which added stress to their personal lives. “The fame aspect didn’t help,” Thornton admitted. “It’s hard to have a personal relationship when you’re both constantly under the microscope, and we were under it 24/7.”