Kelly Preston dead: John Travolta’s wife dies aged 57

Kelly Preston, the actress married to John Travolta, has died aged 57 after a private battle with breast cancer.

The actress had been battling breast cancer for two years, with a family representative confirming news of her death to People today.

“On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer,” a statement to the publication said.

media_camera Kelly Preston, pictured with husband John Travolta, had been privately battling breast cancer, a statement said. Picture: Getty Images.

“Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends.

“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.”

Her husband John Travolta led tributes to his late wife on Instagram on Monday afternoon with a heartbreaking post.

“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 posted.

“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 wrote.

media_camera Preston is survived by her husband, John Travolta and their two children, Ella and Benjamin. Picture: Getty Images.

Daughter Ella, 20, followed with a touching message to her late mum, thanking her for being there for her “no matter what”.

“I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” she wrote to her 166,000 Instagram followers.

“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,” she wrote.

Celebrities including Russell Crowe and Mariah Carey took to social media to share their fond memories of the star and offer support to the Travolta family.

Can’t remember where, but, met first in late ‘92 I think.

Such a lovely person. In 1995 we auditioned together for Breaking Up, Salma Hayek got that gig.

I havent seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly eyed gem.

R.I.P — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 13, 2020

I’m in absolute shock. What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age. My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss. 🙏 RIP #KellyPreston https://t.co/yRqOmI3CjW — Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 13, 2020

Kelly Preston was enormously kind and unbelievably lovely. Can’t believe this. My thoughts are with her sweet Ella and the rest of her incredible family. RIP 🤍🤍🤍 — Chloe Bennet (@chloebennet) July 13, 2020

Shocked by this sad news. Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength. #RIP #KellyPreston https://t.co/DndcfOtlOn — Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 13, 2020

Responding to Travolta in comments on his Instagram post, Sarah Paulson wrote, “Love you so”, while Julie Benz added, ”I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family.”

Singer Mariah Carey added: “Sending so much love to you and your family in this heartbreaking moment.”

Last month, the actress shared a family photo to celebrate Father’s Day in the US, writing: “Happy Father’s Day to the best one I know, we love you.”

The photo was taken late last year, with Preston having first shared the snap in November 2019.

Preston was born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith on October 13, 1962, in Hawaii. She briefly lived in Australia as a teenager, where she attended Pembroke School in Adelaide.

She launched her acting career in 1985 with her first major movie role in Mischief after several minor roles in television shows, including For Love and Honor.

Preston went on to star in films such as SpaceCamp (1986), Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996) and For Love of the Game (1999).

Preston’s final film role was in the 2018 film Gotti in which she played Victoria Gotti, the wife of Mafia boss John Gotti, who was portrayed on screen by Travolta.

Preston is survived by Travolta and their children Ella, 20, and nine-year-old son Benjamin.

The couple’s son Jett died at age 16 in January 2009 after suffering a seizure at the family’s holiday house in the Bahamas.

media_camera Preston with her late son Jett Travolta and daughter Ella. Jett, 16, was found unconscious during a family holiday in 2009. Picture: AFP.

“It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life,” the 64-year-old told Us Weekly last year.

“The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”

A house caretaker found Jett unconscious in a bathroom after hitting his head. He was taken by ambulance to a Freeport hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

media_camera Jett was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at a young age. Picture: Getty Images.

The teen, the oldest child of Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston, had a history of seizures.

In 2003, Preston told Montel Williams that when Jett was 2 years old he became very ill before being diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a condition that can cause inflammation of the arteries.

Travolta credited the Church of Scientology for helping him cope with the family tragedy.

“The church never left our side for two years,” said Travolta. “I don’t know if I would have made it through without their support.”

The magazine revealed that he and Preston were devout followers of Scientology.

Originally published as Stars pay tribute to Kelly Preston