John Travolta has confirmed his wife Kelly Preston has tragically passed away from a secret, two-year battle with breast cancer.
She was 57.
“On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer,” a family representative told People on Monday.
“Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” the statement continued.
“She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched. Her family asks for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”
While Grease star John confirmed via his Instagram page he would be taking some time away from the spotlight to focus on his two children.
“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. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many,” Travolta penned.
“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,” the actor wrote.
“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,” the 66-year-old shared.
John and Kelly with their kids Ella and Jett in happier times.
(Image: Instagram)John and Kelly’s daughter Ella also paid tribute to her mother, penning a powerful tribute on Instagram.
“I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” Ella began.
Adding: “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. 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. You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always. I love you so much mama.❤️,” the 20-year-old concluded.
Kelly is survived by her husband and their two children, daughter Ella, 20, and nine-year-old son Benjamin.
In another heartbreaking blow for the family, Kelly and John’s son Jett passed away when in 2009 when he was just 16 following a seizure.
In November 2010, Kelly and John welcomed a second son together, Benjamin, whom they credited for helping them heal as a family.
“Certainly having little Benjamin has been a beautiful kind of glue for us to re-bond after a tremendous loss,” John previously told Good Morning America of his second son.
“It’s been uplifting. He’s given the house a renewed spirit and purpose. He’s brought us a new beginning and his presence has brought joy to all the people who have wanted the best for us,” the actor told Woman’s Day in 2011 shortly after his son’s birth.
Their miracle baby: Kelly welcomed Benjamin in 2009 when she was 48.
(Image: Getty)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 full-time 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 it had the ability to help save lives: “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.”
In the past, Kelly has also credited Scientology for helping her through some of her darkest hours.
“In Scientology, we have what’s called auditing, and that helps you to address things in your life and to strip them away… It’s a path of spiritual enlightenment,” the actress explained during an interview with US talkshow The Conversation.
“Also, it helps rid the mind of painful experience completely. Through that, the people at my church literally held my hand and got me through… I will forever be indebted.”
“Our kids are the centre of our universe. I’m so different, too. Now I don’t drink anymore. I don’t smoke anymore. I don’t do drugs anymore. All of those come with an ‘anymore.'”
“I used to do everything and a lot of everything. With drinking, I just decided that I wasn’t always at my best. There were times where I drank too much, for sure. And when I didn’t drink, I felt amazing, and I woke up feeling amazing every single day,” Kelly explained.
John’s tribute: “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered.”
(Image: Getty)Kelly and John have long been one of Hollywood’s poster couples.
The pair met in 1987 on the set of The Experts, before John popped the question on New Year’s Eve during a romantic getaway to Switzerland in 1991.
They tied the knot in September 1991, when Kelly was two months pregnant with Jett.
Kelly is best known for starring roles in films like The Last Song, The Cat in the Hat, Jerry Maguire, and Sky High.
Our thoughts go out to John and his family during this incredibly tough time.
