Brad Pitt is bursting with pride over his partner Angelina Jolie's decision to go public about her double mastectomy.
"She could have stayed absolutely private about it and I don't think anyone would have been none the wiser with such good results," Pitt told USA Today in an exclusive interview. "But it was really important to her to share the story and that others would understand it doesn't have to be a scary thing. In fact, it can be an empowering thing, and something that makes you stronger and us stronger."
Jolie shared the news in a New York Times Op-Ed this week, writing that she underwent the surgery and subsequent breast reconstruction because she carries a BRCA1 gene. That puts her at increased risk to develop breast cancer.
Also read: Angelina Jolie Double Mastectomy Disclosure: What is the BRCA1 Mutation?
Pitt also demonstrated why it pays to have a gorgeous and attentive movie star and a brood of photogenic tykes tending to all your post-op needs, telling USA Today that he and the couple's six children made tending to Jolie's needs a family affair.
The actor's relief that the operation was a success was palpable.
"To know that that's not going to be something that's going to affect us," Pitt said. "My most proudest thing is our family. This isn't going to get that."