After a two-year battle with breast cancer, actress Kelly Preston died on July 12 at the age of 57. Following the news, her husband, John Travolta, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. The pair had been married for almost 29 years, after meeting on the set of 1989’s The Experts, and had three children together: 20-year-old daughter Ella, 9-year-old son Benjamin, and a son named Jett, who died at the age of 16 in 2009.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer,” he wrote alongside an image of Kelly. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us for a while. But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal.” He signed off with, “All my love, JT.”
Kelly and John’s 20-year-old daughter Ella also posted a moving tribute to her mom on Instagram, saying, “I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. Anyone who is lucky enough to have known you or to have ever been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never ceases to shine and that makes anyone around you feel instantly happy.” She went on to write, “Thank you for being there for me no matter what. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your help and thank you for making this world a better place.” Ella finished off the post with, “You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always. I love you so much mama.❤️”
