The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges any family can face. For actor John Travolta, that reality became deeply personal in July 2020, when his wife, actress Kelly Preston, passed away at the age of 57 following a two-year private battle with breast cancer.
Now, three years later, Travolta continues to honor her memory by devoting himself to raising their two children, Ella Bleu and Benjamin.
Kelly Preston’s Life and Career
Kelly Preston was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii. After studying acting at the University of Southern California, she pursued a career in film and television.
Her breakout came in the 1980s, with roles in movies such as Mischief (1985) and Twins (1988). She went on to appear in acclaimed films including Jerry Maguire (1996) and For Love of the Game (1999).
Preston also made guest appearances on popular television series and took on projects that showcased her versatility as an actress. In 2018, she starred opposite her husband in Gotti, a biographical crime drama. That role turned out to be her final screen appearance before her illness.
Marriage to John Travolta
Kelly Preston and John Travolta met in the late 1980s and married in September 1991. Their wedding took place at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris, marking the beginning of nearly three decades together.
The couple built a strong family life while balancing busy acting careers. They welcomed three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
Kelly Preston’s Passing
On July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston died after a private battle with breast cancer. Her family shared the news through a statement to People, asking for privacy while mourning.
John Travolta also expressed gratitude to the medical teams who supported her during her treatment and paid tribute to his wife as a loving and vibrant presence.
Her decision to keep her diagnosis private echoed the path taken by other well-known actors, including Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory, who chose to handle their illnesses away from the public eye.
John Travolta’s Grief and Reflections
Travolta spoke candidly about his mourning process in an interview with Esquire Mexico, noting that grief is an individual journey and that each person experiences it differently. He emphasized that the most meaningful support often comes from giving those in mourning the space and time they need to heal.
This was not the first time Travolta endured profound loss. In 2009, his eldest son Jett died at the age of 16 following a seizure. Jett had autism and Kawasaki disease, a condition that can affect blood vessels in children. The tragedy deeply affected the family, but they found strength in supporting one another.
Focusing on Family After Loss
Since Kelly Preston’s passing, John Travolta has devoted his energy to raising Ella, now 22, and Benjamin, 11. He has publicly shared his pride in their accomplishments and his commitment to being present for them.
Travolta’s daughter Ella has followed in her parents’ footsteps by pursuing acting. In 2021, she landed a role in the fantasy film Get Lost, a reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. Travolta celebrated her success with a heartfelt post on Instagram, calling himself a “very proud dad.”
Travolta also regularly shares moments with his son Benjamin, from family holidays to simple celebrations at home. On Father’s Day, he posted photos of his children along with the message, “It’s a privilege to be a father.”
Returning to Work on His Own Terms
Although Travolta has taken a step back from major acting commitments, he has selectively returned to the screen in projects that allow him to balance work with family life.
In 2021, he appeared alongside Ella in a Super Bowl commercial that showcased his well-known dancing skills while highlighting their close relationship.
He has stated in interviews that his priority remains ensuring a bright future for his children and supporting them in pursuing their passions.
Life at Home in Florida
Travolta and his family now spend most of their time at their Florida estate in Ocala. The property, known for its distinctive design, includes two private runways that allow the actor—who is a licensed pilot—to fly his aircraft directly to and from his home.
Travolta has described aviation as a lifelong passion, noting in interviews that he fell in love with flying as a child. In addition to his acting career, he is certified to fly large aircraft, including a Boeing 737.
The Florida estate is part of Jumbolair Aviation Estates, an exclusive residential airpark community that enables residents with pilot certifications to access their planes at home. Travolta purchased land there in 2001, and the home has since become one of his family’s primary residences.
Remembering the Maine Estate
In 1991, shortly after marrying Kelly Preston, Travolta purchased a 10,000-square-foot vacation home in Islesboro, Maine. The historic mansion, built in 1903, featured 20 bedrooms, a beach, and access to the open ocean.
The property was listed for sale in 2021 for $5 million, reflecting the family’s decision to spend more time in Florida. For Travolta, the Maine home held many memories with Kelly and their children, making the decision to let it go both practical and emotional.
Legacy of Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston is remembered not only for her acting career but also for her dedication to family and her warmth toward others. Friends and colleagues described her as generous, compassionate, and full of energy.
Her influence continues through her children, who have carried forward her creativity and resilience, and through Travolta’s public tributes that keep her memory alive.
Moving Forward While Honoring the Past
Today, three years after her passing, John Travolta continues to balance his career, personal passions, and dedication to raising his children. He has spoken about the importance of creating a legacy not only through professional achievements but through the love and support shared with family and friends.
By focusing on his role as a father and cherishing the time spent with Ella and Benjamin, Travolta has found a path forward while honoring the memory of Kelly Preston. His story reflects resilience, love, and the enduring power of family ties.
Conclusion
The journey of John Travolta and Kelly Preston is one of enduring love, professional success, and resilience in the face of loss. While the pain of losing his wife remains, Travolta has chosen to dedicate himself to the well-being of his children and to living a meaningful life that honors her memory.
As he continues raising Ella and Benjamin, Travolta demonstrates the strength of family bonds and the importance of cherishing every moment. His story serves as both a tribute to Kelly Preston and an example of how love and perseverance can carry a family through even the most difficult times.