Angelina Jolie ‘excited’ for new year as she prepares to leave Los Angeles for life abroad

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Angelina Jolie is stepping into the new year with a sense of anticipation as she prepares for a major life shift that will take her beyond Los Angeles and, eventually, out of the United States altogether.

Four months after it was first reported that the 'Maria' star was planning to put her historic Los Angeles home on the market, a source now confirms that the property is actively being shown to pre-qualified buyers following recent renovations. The move signals that Jolie’s long-discussed plans to relocate abroad are becoming increasingly concrete.

“She’s ready for a life that isn’t centered in Los Angeles,” an insider told PEOPLE.

Angelina Jolie prepares for life beyond Hollywood

According to the source, Jolie is entering 2026 with renewed energy and a growing sense of freedom.

“There are a lot of projects she’s excited about and she’s feeling good,” the insider said. “She’s looking forward to 2026 and the flexibility she’ll have then.”

While Jolie has maintained a strong professional presence in Hollywood for decades, those close to her say her priorities have shifted toward creative fulfillment, global work, and personal peace rather than remaining tethered to Los Angeles.

Custody arrangements delayed her long-planned exit

Jolie shares six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt - Maddox, 24; Pax, 22; Zahara, 20; Shiloh, 19; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17. The former couple finalized their divorce settlement on December 30, 2024, ending an eight-year legal battle that dominated much of Jolie’s personal life.

A source previously told PEOPLE that Jolie “never wanted to live in LA full time,” but remained there due to custody requirements involving Pitt.

“She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with Brad,” the source explained at the time.

Timing tied to twins Knox and Vivienne turning 18

Jolie’s eventual move abroad is closely tied to her youngest children reaching adulthood. Knox and Vivienne are set to turn 18 on July 12, 2026 - a milestone that insiders say clears the final logistical hurdle for Jolie’s relocation plans.

“She plans to relocate as soon as Knox and Viv turn 18 next year,” a source previously said. “She’s eyeing several locations abroad. She’ll be very happy when she’s able to leave Los Angeles.”

Though specific destinations have not been publicly confirmed, Jolie has longstanding ties to Europe, Southeast Asia, and humanitarian work across multiple continents.

Children’s privacy remains a driving force

One of the most consistent factors influencing Jolie’s decisions has been her children’s desire for privacy - something she has repeatedly emphasized in interviews.

In a November 2024 appearance on 'Good Morning America', Jolie made it clear that her kids prefer life away from the spotlight.

“None of my children want to be in front of the camera [at] this time. They’re quite private,” she said.

She singled out her daughter Shiloh in particular, adding, “Shiloh’s extremely private.”

“They weren’t born with privacy, right?” Jolie continued. “So, I hope that they can have that as they grow old. So we’ll see.”