John Travolta has faced numerous challenges in his life. Beloved by fans for his memorable performances, such as the charismatic Danny Zuko, he’s also admired for his dedication as a spouse and parent. Despite the loss of his wife, Kelly Preston, in July 2020 after her two-year battle with breast cancer at the age of 57, Travolta remains resilient. He draws strength from his two children, daughter Ella and son Benjamin, striving to maintain a positive outlook amidst the tragedy.
Before the heartbreaking loss of his cherished wife, the Travolta family endured another devastating blow when their 16-year-old son, Jett, passed away in January 2009 after suffering a seizure. During a vacation in the Bahamas, Jett experienced a seizure that tragically claimed his life, leaving his parents grief-stricken. At that time, Travolta openly discussed the pain of their loss with US Weekly, expressing, “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life. The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”
When Kelly died, a representative of the family shared the devastating news with People, writing: “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.”
Preston chose to keep her breast cancer diagnosis a secret. Her co-star in her last film, Off the Rails, Sally Phillips, disclosed on the British talk show “Loose Women” that they were unaware of it during filming. Sally elaborated that film stars often keep health issues private due to concerns regarding movie insurance and future job opportunities.
She noted, “That’s what people do—they go through it on their own because of worries about insurance for the film, and working again afterward.” Sally also highlighted similar instances, such as Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory, who also opted not to publicly disclose their health struggles.
Travolta also shared his reflections on the loss, expressing on Instagram: “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 took a moment to express gratitude to all who supported him during the family’s difficult times.
On his first birthday without Kelly by his side, Travolta found solace in the support of his children, who helped him cope with the lingering grief in his heart. Ella, who is following in her parents’ footsteps and pursuing a career in film, shared a heartfelt tribute for her father, describing him as “the most incredible man I have ever known.”
“You are not only the best Dad ever, but you are also my best friend. Thank you for raising us, helping us, and loving us, and thank you for all of the good you do every day. The world is so lucky to have you, and so are we. I love you Daddy. I had the best time celebrating your birthday with you yesterday,” Ella wrote.
On what would have marked Kelly’s 59th birthday, Travolta honored his beloved late wife on Instagram, sharing a photo of her alongside the caption, “Happy Birthday Kelly. We miss and love you very much.”
Ella, deeply feeling the absence of her mother, also conveyed a heartfelt message. “Happy Birthday Mama, I love and miss you so much,” she wrote.
After enduring such a profound loss, it seems that some of Travolta’s friends attempted to assist him in re-entering the dating scene. However, it appears that the actor is still in the midst of grieving and is not yet prepared to move forward.
“John’s had no shortage of friends wanting to set him up, and there are plenty of women who would be interested in dating him,” revealed an insider to OK! Magazine.
“John is flattered by the attention, but he simply isn’t ready.
“No one wants to pressure him because they recognize that he is conflicted between opening himself up to love once more and remaining single to focus on being the best father he can be. Until John can come to terms with his feelings, everyone is respecting his need for space.”
During an appearance on Kevin Hart’s talk show, “Heart to Heart,” Travolta recounted a conversation he had with his son Benjamin following his mother’s passing.
“[Ben] said to me once, ‘Because mom passed away, I’m afraid you’re going to,’” Travolta recalled. “I said, ‘Well, it’s a very different thing.’ And I explained the distinctions between my longevity and her limited life.”
“I said, ‘But you know, Ben, you always love the truth, and I’m going to tell you the truth about life. Nobody knows when they’re going to go or when they’re going to stay,’” he continued.
“I said, ‘Your brother [Jett] left at 16. Too young. Your mother left at 57. That was too young. But who’s to say?’ I said, ‘I could die tomorrow. You could. Anybody can. So let’s look at it that it’s a part of life. You don’t know exactly. You just do your best at trying to live the longest you can.’”
While maintaining a low profile, John Travolta opened up about his experience with grief in an interview with Esquire Mexico.
“I’ve come to understand that mourning, grieving, is a deeply personal journey. It’s unique to each individual, and only one’s own path can bring healing,” Travolta shared with the magazine. “It varies for everyone. The most supportive thing you can do for someone in grief is to allow them their process and not intertwine it with your own. That’s been my lesson.”
Travolta holds immense pride in his two children, with whom he shares a close bond.
Throughout the years, he has consistently expressed his love for his children publicly, underscoring their significance in his life. What’s truly heartwarming is that Ella and Benjamin reciprocate the sentiment.
Ella, who has followed in the footsteps of her famous parents and forged a career as an actress, regards her father as the most significant figure in her life and her ultimate role model.
Known for her roles in films like “Old Dogs” (2009) and “The Poison Rose” (2019), Ella shared, “Since I was very little, I’ve loved performing, singing, dancing, and putting on shows at home for my family and friends,” with People magazine.
On Father’s Day, the iconic “Saturday Night Fever” star expressed his sentiments about fatherhood, stating, “It’s a privilege to be a father. I love you, my babies. Happy Father’s Day to everyone,” accompanied by photos of his children.
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