John Travolta pays tribute to wife Kelly Preston after her death aged 57
13 July 2020, 07:05
Actress Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife of 29 years, has died aged 57 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Preston, who starred in films such as Mischief, Twins and Jerry Maguire, lost her two-year battle with the disease, Travolta said in an emotional Instagram post.
Alongside a photograph of her, he wrote: "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 Centre, all the medical centres 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".
Daughter Ella paid tribute to her mother, writing online: "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 statement from the family to People magazine said: "On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer.
"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."
Hollywood star Josh Gad said he was in "absolute shock" at the news of Preston's death.
He tweeted: "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".
Lost star Daniel Dae Kim reminisced about working alongside Preston as he paid tribute to her.
He tweeted: "I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films, "For Love of The Game." We were shooting on cold days in Colorado, but she couldn't have been warmer or kinder to a young, nervous actor trying to make good. I'll never forget that. Thank you Kelly. #RestInPeace".
Actor Spencer Breslin, who starred alongside Preston in the 2003 film The Cat In The Hat, tweeted: "RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss".
The couple had been married for nearly 30 years and have a daughter, Ella, and son, Benjamin.
Their son, Jett, died at the age of just 16 after suffering a seizure during a family holiday in the Bahamas in 2009.