Entertainment
‘Jerry Maguire’ actress Kelly Preston, wife of John Travolta, dies of breast cancer at 57
Actress Kelly Preston has died at 57 after a battle with breast cancer.
Preston’s husband, actor John Travolta, wrote an emotional post on Instagram Sunday night, confirming that his wife of 28 years had died.
“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,” Travolta, 66, wrote. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”
“Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” Travolta wrote, stating he planned to take time off “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 couple had three children — daughter Ella, 20, and sons Benjamin, 9, and Jett, who died at age 16 in January 2009 after having a seizure while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas.
Ella Travolta paid tribute to her mother on Instagram.
“I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” she wrote. “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.”
A family statement to People magazine said that Preston had chosen to keep her cancer “fight private.”
“She had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” the statement said. “She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched.”
More celebrities also paid tribute to the late star.
Russell Crowe tweeted about meeting Preston in late 1992.
“Such a lovely person. In 1995 we auditioned together for Breaking Up, Salma Hayek got that gig,” he continued. “I havent seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly eyed gem. Love to her family. R.I.P”
Maria Shriver, journalist and former wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, said she was “shocked by this sad news.”
“Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife,” she tweeted. “My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength.”
Josh Gad said he was in “absolute shock.”
“What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age,” he continued. “My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss.”
Spencer Bresiln, who starred with Preston in 2003’s “The Cat in the Hat,” tweeted: “RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss.”
Kelly Preston starred in films such as the 1986 comedy “SpaceCamp,” “Twins” (1988), as Tom Cruise’s fiancée Avery Bishop in “Jerry Maguire” (1996) and alongside Kevin Costner in the 1999 sports drama “For Love of the Game.”
Preston’s final film role was in 2018’s “Gotti,” playing Victoria Gotti, the wife of Mafia boss John Gotti. It was a family affair as Travolta portrayed John Gotti.
Travolta and Preston met while filming 1988′s “The Experts.” They were married at a midnight ceremony in Paris in 1991.
In September, Travolta and Preston celebrated 28 years of marriage with dual social media offerings.
“Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife,” Travolta, 65, wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of the couple embracing.
Soon after, Kelly Preston posted her own photo and described on Instagram how much Travolta meant to her.
“To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know,” she wrote. “You have given me hope when I have felt lost, loved me patiently and unconditionally… made me laugh harder than any other human being possible… shared the most beautiful highs and at times lows.”
She added: “You’re a dream Daddio and make life so much fun!! I trust my love with you implicitly… with you I know I will always be okay no matter what happens… I love you forever and completely. “
