Actress Kelly Preston Loses Two-Year Breast Cancer Battle
A heartbroken John Travolta paid tribute to his wife, Kelly Preston after she died of breast cancer at the age of 57. The actress died after she “fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many”, said Travolta when he revealed his wife’s two-year cancer ordeal for the first time.
Travolta, 66, announced Preston’s passing in an Instagram post, saying: “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.”
The couple’s 20-year-old daughter Ella also shared an emotional tribute over the loss of Preston: “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.”
Preston was widely known for her roles in Twins, Jerry Maguire, Gotti and Battlefield Earth. She met Travolta on the set of The Experts and had been married to him for 29 years. They lived in Florida and have another nine-year-old son, Benjamin.
Tributes from celebrities came pouring in with many hailing her kindness. Maria Shriver wrote that she “shocked by this sad news”. “Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who has already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength,” she wrote.
Barbra Streisand paid tribute to her “wonderful friend” with a throwback picture of herself, Preston and Travolta embracing. “One of the loveliest people in our lives and such a great mother and wife. Our hearts are forever with John, Ella, and Ben. Jim and I are heartbroken,” she wrote.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred with Preston in the 1988 comedy Twins, remembered the actress as “extraordinary”. He said: “I was lucky enough to star with her and direct her, and her talent was off the charts,” Schwarzenegger said. “She had such a big heart, she was a wonderful wife and mother, and my thoughts are with John and the whole family”.
Kelly Preston was extraordinary. I was lucky enough to star with her and direct her, and her talent was off the charts. She had such a big heart, she was a wonderful wife and mother, and my thoughts are with John and the whole family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) July 13, 2020
Even Piers Morgan posted a throwback and more recent photo of Preston and Travolta. “Such sad news about Kelly Preston. She & John Travolta had one of the most enduring (29 year) Hollywood marriages & were two of the nicest, most genuine people in the business,” he wrote.
Such sad news about Kelly Preston. She & John Travolta had one of the most enduring (29 year) Hollywood marriages & were two of the nicest, most genuine people in the business. Gutted for him. pic.twitter.com/eTi6ljGEPz
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 13, 2020
