John Travolta reflects on love and loss as he navigates life after the passing of his wife, Kelly Preston, and son, Jett. Despite immense heartbreak, he finds strength in his two children, Ella and Benjamin, cherishing their bond and honoring their memories 💔✨ Their heartfelt tributes and shared moments of grief highlight the enduring power of family love ❤️👨👧👦 Read more in the article below👇
John Travolta has encountered significant hardships throughout his life. Recognized not only for his iconic performances, such as Danny Zuko in Grease, but also for his dedication as a father and husband, he continues to press on.
In July 2020, John Travolta’s spouse, Kelly Preston, who he had been wed to for 28 years, passed away at the age of 57 following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Since her passing, Travolta has concentrated on being a source of strength for their two kids, Ella and Benjamin.
Before Kelly’s death, the family faced another heartbreaking event when their 16-year-old son, Jett, passed away in January 2009 from a seizure.
While vacationing in the Bahamas, Jett had a seizure and tragically died. It was a devastating blow to Travolta and Kelly. Speaking to US Weekly at the time, Travolta admitted, “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. I honestly wasn’t sure if I could pull through.”
When Kelly passed away, the family released a statement to People magazine, saying: “She chose to keep her health battle private and was surrounded by close family and friends as she received treatment. She was a radiant, kind soul who brought love and joy to everyone around her. The family asks for privacy as they grieve.”
Kelly kept her cancer diagnosis hidden from the public. Sally Phillips, a co-star from her final film Off the Rails, revealed on Loose Women that none of the cast knew during filming. Sally explained that many actors keep health struggles private due to concerns over insurance and future work opportunities, citing other examples like Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory.
After Kelly’s death, Travolta posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “My family and I will always be thankful to the doctors, nurses, and everyone who supported us during this time. Kelly’s memory and her love will live on forever.” He also thanked all those who had been there for his family during their difficult journey.
On his first birthday without Kelly, his children provided support as he coped with his sorrow. Ella, who has pursued a career in acting like her parents, posted a heartfelt tribute to her father, referring to him as “the most amazing person I’ve ever encountered.”
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“You’re not only the greatest father anyone could ask for, but you’re also my closest companion. Thank you for raising us with love and always being there. The world is lucky to have you, and so are we. I love you, Dad,” Ella posted.
When what would have been Kelly’s 59th birthday arrived, Travolta honored her by sharing a photo on Instagram with the message, “”Happy Birthday, Kelly. We miss you dearly and love you endlessly.” Ella also shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Happy Birthday, Mom. I miss you more than words can say.”
Since Kelly’s passing, some friends have tried to get Travolta back into dating, but the actor seems to still be healing and isn’t ready to move forward.
A source revealed to OK! Magazine, “John has had numerous friends attempting to arrange dates for him, and many women are eager to go out with him, but he simply isn’t looking to date at the moment.”
“They don’t want to pressure him, understanding he’s caught between possibly opening his heart again and staying focused on being the best dad he can be. His friends are giving him the space he needs.”
In a conversation on Kevin Hart’s show Hart to Heart, Travolta shared an emotional exchange he had with his son Benjamin after Kelly’s death.
“[Ben] said to me, ‘Now that Mom’s gone, I’m scared you’re going to leave me too,’” Travolta recalled. “I explained to him that life doesn’t work that way. I told him, ‘Your brother Jett left us too early at 16. Your mother left us too soon at 57. But no one can say when their time will come. What matters is that we live fully while we’re here.’”
During a discussion with Esquire Mexico, Travolta openly discussed his journey of dealing with grief.
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“I’ve learned that grief is a personal journey. Everyone experiences it in their own way, and only time can heal the pain. Travolta expressed that the most supportive approach for someone dealing with grief is to allow them to navigate their feelings in their own manner, without projecting your own experiences onto them.
Travolta remains incredibly proud of his two children, Ella and Benjamin, and has a close bond with them. Over the years, he’s never missed an opportunity to express how much they mean to him, and his children reciprocate that love.
Ella, an actress like her parents, often speaks about how important her father is in her life and how much she looks up to him.
She’s appeared in films such as Old Dogs (2009) and The Poison Rose (2019). Speaking to People, she shared, “Since childhood, I’ve had a passion for performing—whether it was singing, dancing, or creating shows for my family and friends.”
On Father’s Day,
Travolta shared an emotional message, stating, “Being a father is the greatest gift. I love you, my children. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there,” alongside photos of Ella and Benjamin.
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