John Travolta has been through so much throughout his life. Adored by many not only for his iconic roles, like that of greaser Danny Zuko among the rest, but also because of his nature and devotion as both a parent and a husband, Travolta is still going strong.
In July of 2020, his wife of 28 years, Kelly Preston, lost her life after battling breast cancer for two years. She was 57 years old. Ever since this tragedy, Travolta is doing his best to stay positive because of their two children, daughter Ella and son Benjamin.
Before losing his beloved wife, the Travolta family suffered another tragedy when he and Kelly lost their 16-year-old son Jett in January 2009 after suffering a seizure.
While on holiday in the Bahamas, Jett suffered a seizure and passed away. His parents were heartbroken. Back then, Travolta spoke about the loss to US Weekly and said: “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 spoke of his loss and wrote 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 the time to thank everyone who supported him during the tough times for the family.
For his first birthday without Kelly by his side, his children helped him with the grief he still has in his heart. Ella, who is following into her parents’ footsteps and is making a career in film, has posted a touching tribute for Travolta whom she described 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 been Kelly’s 59th birthday, Travolta took to Instagram to pay tribute to his beloved late wife by sharing a photo of her along with the caption, “Happy Birthday Kelly. We miss and love you very much.”
Ella, who misses her mom badly, also shared a touching message. “Happy Birthday Mama, I love and miss you so much,” she wrote.
After the loss he suffered, some of Travolta’s friends allegedly tried to help him get him back on the dating scene, but it looks like the actor is still grieving and isn’t quite ready to move on.
“John’s had no shortage of friends wanting to set him up and there are a lot of women who would love to go out with him,” an insider told OK! Magazine.
“John is flattered, but he just isn’t interested.
“No one wants to push him because they understand he’s torn between opening himself up to love again and staying single and being the best father he can be. Until John can figure things out, everyone is giving him the space he needs.”
During an appearance on Kevin Heart’s talk show, Heart to Heart, Travolta shared the conversation he had with son Benjamin after 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 went through the differences about 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 gonna 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 keeping a low profile, John Travolta talked about how he’s dealing with grief in an interview with Esquire Mexico.
“I’ve learned that mourning, grieving, is a personal thing. It’s individual, and only your own journey can heal you,” Travolta shared with the magazine. “It’s different for each person. The best thing you can do to help someone who is grieving is to let them go through it and not mix it with your own. That’s what I’ve learned.”
Travolta is extremely proud of his two children, whom he’s very close with.
Over the years, he has never missed a chance to share his love for his children publicly by reminding them how important they are for him. The beautiful thing is that Ella and Benjamin do the same.
Ella, who followed into her famous parents’ footsteps and is an actress herself, describes her dad as the most important person in her life and her role model.
Ella is known for the movies Old Dogs (2009) and The Poison Rose (2019). “Since I was very little, I’ve loved performing, singing, dancing and putting on shows at home for my family and friends,” she told People.
On Father’s Day, the Saturday Night Fever star shared his feelings about being a dad, saying, “It’s a privilege to be a father. I love you, my babies. Happy Father’s Day to everyone,” along with photos of his children.