Kelly Preston, the actor wife of John Travolta who appeared in movies such as Jerry Maguire and Gotti, has died from breast cancer aged 57.
Travolta said she had been sick for two years, and thanked her doctors and friends for their support. “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” he said in an Instagram post on Monday morning. “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.”
Preston and Travolta had three children. The daughter Ella, 20, and son, Benjamin, who is nine. Their son Jett died in 2009 aged 16.
A family representative released a statement saying: “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.”
In September, Grease actor John and Kelly celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary.
In an emotional message to her husband online, Kelly said: “To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know.
“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 low.
“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. Happy 28th Anniversary @johntravolta.”
Actress Kelly enjoyed success in films such as 1986’s SpaceCamp, Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996) and For Love of the Game (1999).
She last starred on-screen in the 2018 film Gotti as Victoria Gotti, the wife of Mafia boss John Gotti, alongside husband John.
The couple married in September 1991.
