Angelina Jolie credits ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton for giving her the best advice following the death of her mother.

While the actress was struggling to cope with the grief of losing her mum, Marcheline Bertrand, to cancer earlier this year, her ex called to offer his views on death.

Jolie tells Marie Claire magazine, "He said, 'You'll never get over it. It's never going to be Ok, and once you accept that, you realise you never want to get over it.'"

"He said, 'Just kind of let it sit with you, and let it be a part of who you now are.'"

Jolie admits her recent weight loss is a direct result of the grieving process.