After a two-year battle with breast cancer, Kelly Preston passed away on Sunday at the age of 57.
The Jerry Maguire actress, who is married to John Travolta, decided to keep her fight private as she sought medical treatment, according to a family representative speaking to People. The statement read:
“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.”
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Late Sunday night, John confirmed the tragic news on social media with a beautiful tribute to his wife. Sharing a picture of Kelly on Instagram, he revealed a little about her “courageous” breast cancer battle, as well as thanking those who supported her through it all:
“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. 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.”
The 66-year-old continued, adding how he’ll be stepping back for the sake of their two kids, Ella, 20, and Benjamin, 9:
“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.”
What a heartbreaking loss. Kelly truly shined in her acting roles, but seemingly even more so when surrounded by her family (pictured below) and loved ones.
Preston’s oldest child, Ella, also honored her with an Instagram post last night, recalling her glowing light and ability to make anyone “feel instantly happy.” With the same photo her dad shared, she wrote a sweet message directly to her mom:
“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.”
Stars flooded the comments sections of the pair’s social media tributes, as some took to their own accounts to share their memories of Preston. Mariah Carey offered her love to the Travolta family, writing under the Saturday Night Fever star’s post:
“Sending so much love to you and your family in this heartbreaking moment. ?”
Selma Blair did as well, writing:
“I am holding you all in love. Your wife, your partner in life, was a darling soul. Always at the ready with comfort and grace. What a team you were. She will be so missed. ?”
See more (below) from Russell Crowe, Rita Wilson, Holly Robinson Peete, and others.
Kelly Preston.
Can’t remember where, but, met first in late ‘92 I think.
Such a lovely person. In 1995 we auditioned together for Breaking Up, Salma Hayek got that gig.
I havent seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly eyed gem.
Love to her family.
R.I.P— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 13, 2020
RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss.
— Spencer Breslin (@Spencerbreslin) July 13, 2020
A beautiful lady. Inside and out.
A crushing loss.
Rest In Peace, Kelly Preston ???????????? pic.twitter.com/ogNArcdyFI— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) July 13, 2020
Kelly Preston was enormously kind and unbelievably lovely. Can’t believe this. My thoughts are with her sweet Ella and the rest of her incredible family. RIP ????????????
— Chloe Bennet (@chloebennet) July 13, 2020
Daniel Dae Kim tweeted about his For Love of the Game co-star, noting how welcoming she was on set:
“I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films, “For Love of The Game.” We were shooting on cold days in Colorado, but she couldn’t have been warmer or kinder to a young, nervous actor trying to make good. I’ll never forget that. Thank you Kelly. #RestInPeace??”
Josh Gad also spoke out on Twitter:
“I’m in absolute shock. What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age. My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss. RIP #KellyPreston”
As did Maria Shriver:
“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 have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength. #RIP #KellyPreston”
The actress is survived by John and their two children, Ella and Benjamin. Their son Jett died in 2009 at the age of 16. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. R.I.P., Kelly.
[Image via Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com]
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