Angelina Jolie reveals two daughters have undergone surgery in touching essay written from hospital

Actress says daughters 'understand that fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of'

Angelina Jolie reveals two daughters underwent surgery in emotional letter (Getty)

Angelina Jolie has revealed that two of her daughters are recovering from surgery in an open letter in which she praised them for their strength.

The actress shared the update about her children in a letter published for Time on International Women’s Day, which took place on Sunday 8 March.

“I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter, and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,” the Maleficent star wrote from the hospital. “They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write.

“They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.”

The mother-of-six, who did not name which children underwent surgery, also discussed watching her daughters care for one another, and their bravery when they realised “only we can take the next step or breath through the pain”.

“I also watched them face their fears with a resolute bravery,” Jolie wrote. “We all know that moment when no one else can help us, and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe.”

According to Jolie, although her sons were there for their sisters and were “supportive and sweet,” she wanted to take the opportunity to write about what she has learned from her daughters “and other young girls I have met around the world”.

The actress also acknowledged that the notion that girls are caring is “abused” and that girls are often conditioned to “think that they are good only when they serve others”.

Jolie concluded the letter reminding people to value and care for girls, and reminding girls that they are equal.

“And know that the stronger they grow, the healthier they will be and the more they will give back to their family and community,” she wrote. “And my message to girls is, fight on, little ladies.

“Your care for each other will be a large part of your way forward. Hold your nerve. Know your rights. And never let anyone tell you that you are not precious and special and, above all, equal.”

Jolie shares children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne with Brad Pitt.