Kelly Preston Dies at 57: Husband John Travolta & More Pay Tribute

Meaghan Darwish July 13, 2020, 10:50 am

Actress Kelly Preston has died at 57 following a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Best known for her roles in films such as Jerry Maguire, For the Love of the Game, What a Girl Wants, Jack Frost, and The Cat in the Hat among others, Preston made appearances on TV through the years on shows like CSI: Cyber, Medium, and Joey.

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Preston’s husband, John Travolta, announced the tragic news in a lengthy Instagram 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,” Travolta begins in the caption.

“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,” he continues.

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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. 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. All my love, JT

A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta) on Jul 12, 2020 at 10:20pm PDT

“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,” adds Travolta. “But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal.”

The couples has been married since 1991 and had three children together, including eldest son Jett, who died at age 16 in 2009. Preston leaves behind Travolta, their 20-year-old daughter Ella, and son Benjamin, 9. Preston most recently appeared alongside her husband in the film Gotti in 2018 and she currently has one title in post-production, the film Off the Rails.

See how family and friends are remembering her with tributes and reactions below:

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I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. 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.❤️

A post shared by Ella Travolta (@ella.travolta) on Jul 12, 2020 at 10:38pm PDT

Kelly Preston.
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.
Love to her family.
R.I.P

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 13, 2020

Loving thoughts for 9 year old Benjamin, 20 yr old Ella and John Travolta also the Preston family. May you rest in peace beautiful, talented Kelly Preston. https://t.co/Rj9Lth4kcP

— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 13, 2020

#AddictedToLove is underrated subversive romantic comedy and #KellyPreston was great in it.

In a year of loss in a myriad of ways, for all of us, I am sorry to hear she passed and am praying for those who knew and loved her, especially daughter and husband. https://t.co/OQ4exmR1cV

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 13, 2020