Angelina Jolie's ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton has congratulated the star on her pregnancy. The Tomb Raider actress confirmed earlier this week that she and partner Brad Pitt are expecting twins later this year.

And Thornton - who divorced Jolie five years ago - says he is thrilled with the news.

He tells OK! magazine, "I think she was always meant to be a mother in so many ways. I'm just so happy for her. I'm happy for the kids to have a mother like her and a father like him"

And Thornton also heaped praise on his former lover for her goodwill and humanitarian efforts.

He adds, "I'm astounded that somebody has that kind of passion and that much energy for something that actually does affect people and help people out."

Thornton met Jolie on the set of 1999 movie Pushing Tin and the pair married in 2000.

-Angelina Jolie Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)