John Travolta has experienced a great deal in his life. Travolta is still going strong, beloved by many not only for his classic roles—Danny Zuko being one of the best, among others—but also for his character and dedication as a husband and parent.
In July 2020, his wife of 28 years, Kelly Preston, lost her life after battling breast cancer for two years. She was 57 years old. 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.
Jett had a seizure and died while on vacation in the Bahamas. His parents suffered greatly. When Travolta first talked to US Weekly about the loss, he said, “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would survive.
“Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” a family representative wrote in a People article following Kelly’s death. She was a radiant, lovely, and kind person who infused life into everything she came into contact with. Her family kindly requests your understanding of their current need for seclusion.
Preston decided to conceal her breast cancer diagnosis. Sally Phillips, her co-star in her previous movie, Off the Rails, revealed on the British talk program “Loose Women” that they were not aware of it while it was being filmed. Sally clarified that movie stars frequently conceal health information out of fear for their future employment prospects and movie insurance. “People go through it on their own because they worry about insurance for the film and working again afterward,” she observed. Sally also cited other examples of people who made the same decision—Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory—not to publicly reveal their health issues.
“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,” Travolta said on Instagram after sharing news of his passing. Kelly’s life and love will never be forgotten. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone who helped him through the family’s difficult moments.
His kids supported him in coping with the sadness he still harbored on his first birthday without Kelly at his side. Ella, who is pursuing a career in film in the same footsteps as her parents, wrote a heartfelt homage to Travolta, referring to him as “the most incredible man I have ever known.”
You are my best buddy in addition to being the greatest father I have ever had. We are grateful for your love, support, and upbringing as well as for all the nice deeds you perform daily. You are such a blessing to the world, and we are too. Daddy, I adore you. Yesterday, Ella commented, “I had the finest time celebrating your birthday with you.
In honor of his cherished late wife, Kelly, Travolta posted a picture of her on Instagram with the message, “Happy Birthday Kelly,” on what would have been her 59th birthday. We adore and miss you terribly. In addition, Ella, who sadly misses her mother, posted a heartfelt remark. She wrote, “Happy Birthday, Mama. I love and miss you so much.”
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 his 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 between 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 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 close to his two children and is very proud of them. He has never missed an opportunity to publicly express his love and gratitude for his kids over the years by telling them how much they mean to him. What’s lovely is that Benjamin and Ella follow suit.
Ella, an actress who followed in the footsteps of her well-known parents, views her father as the most significant figure in her life and a role model. The Poison Rose (2019) and Old Dogs (2009) are two of Ella’s well-known films. “I’ve loved acting, singing, dancing, and putting on shows at home for my family and friends since I was very little,” the actress said to People. The Saturday Night Fever actor expressed his gratitude for becoming a parent on Parent’s Day, stating, “It’s a privilege to be a father.” My darlings, you are loved. “Happy Father’s Day, everyone,” he wrote, including pictures of his kids.
