Billy Bob Thornton has praised his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, calling her "one of my best friends in the world".

The former couple married in 2000 and adopted seven-year-old son Maddox together, before divorcing in 2003. And Thornton has only fond memories of Jolie, who now lives with Brad Pitt and went on to adopt two other tots and give birth to three biological children with the actor.

He tells OK magazine, "I've never said anything but good things about any relationship I've had and, frankly, that's all I remember about them. I have the utmost respect for Angelina. She's a very sweet person, very talented and one of my best friends in the world."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)