Seven years on from his son’s devastating passing, the father has opened up in a candid new interview, revealing the “glue” that helped bond his family together again.
In 2010, John and his wife Kelly Preston welcomed another son, Benjamin.
Speaking to Good Morning America, the 62-year-old recalled how their new ray of sunshine helped them and their daughter Ella Bleu move forward.
“Certainly having little Ben has been a beautiful kind of glue for us to rebond after tremendous loss,” the Grease alum said of his 5-year-old, who was born in 2010 almost two years on from Jett’s death.
Jett, who would have turned 24 this year, tragically died after hitting his head while suffering a seizure.
The autistic teen was spending the Christmas holidays with his family in the Bahamas when the heartbreak occurred.
WATCH Ben surprise his dad on a talk show in the video player below! Post continues…
John and Kelly pictured with their kids Ella Bleu and Ben.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in April of this year, the Pulp Fiction star also cited Scientology as a source of strength in getting through the unimaginably tough time.
“I had two full years of fulltime help from my church and they never left my side and I got through a time where I didn’t think I was going to make it, I really didn’t.”
When asked further about the controversial religion, he explained: “I’ve saved other people’s lives; I’ve saved my own life several times, I’m still here talking to you and I’ve had nothing but great results.”
Watch John speak out about Jett’s death in the video player below. Post continues…
The parents were heartbroken after Jett’s shock death, but admit Scientology helped them through the pain. Here they are pictured at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre’s 45th Anniversary Gala on August 9, 2014.
Earlier this year, on the seventh anniversary of his son’s death, the actor took to Facebook with a heart-breaking tribute.
“They say the hardest thing in the world is losing a parent. I can now say that isn’t true. The hardest thing in the world is losing a child,” the 62-year-old star wrote.
“Someone you raised and watched grow every day. Someone you taught how to walk and talk. Someone you showed how to love. It’s the worst thing to ever happen to anyone,” he added.
“My son died of a seizure. He brought me so much joy. He was my everything. Those 16 years of being his father taught me how to love unconditionally.”
“We have to stop and be thankful for our children and children should stop and be thankful for their parents. Because, life is very short.”
The family took time to heal after the fateful day in 2009.
“Spend time with your parents and parents spend time with your children,” the Grease actor said. “Treat them well. Because, one day, when you look up from your phone, they won’t be there anymore.
“What I truly learned most of all is, live and love everyday like it’s your last. Because, one day, it will be.”
The viral post ended with some touching advice from the star.
“Take chances and go live life. Tell the ones you love, that you love them every day. Don’t take any moment for granted. Life is worth living.”
