Famed actress Kelly Preston has died at the age of 57 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The news was confirmed by her husband, John Travolta. She is survived by her husband and their two children.
Travolta took to social media to announce the heartbreaking news on Sunday, July 12.
“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,” he wrote on social media. “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. 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. All my love, JT”
The American actress and model was born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, and throughout her career starred in about sixty television and film productions. She began her acting career as a teen, and is most well known for her roles in Jerry Maguire, Twins and The Cat in the Hat.
She met actor John Travolta in 1987 and they married on September 5, 1991 in Paris. The pair had three children together, Jett, Ella and Benjamin. Unfortunately their eldest, Jett died in 2009 after having a seizure while on a family holiday. Jett had autism, and was prone to seizures.
Preston privately battled with breast cancer for two years, and had been undergoing medical treatment for some time before her death.
Since news of her death broke, condolences have been pouring in via social media:
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 https://t.co/DndcfOtlOn
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 13, 2020
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 https://t.co/yRqOmI3CjW
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) 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
She was in so many of my favorite movies growing up, Rest In Peace Kelly Preston pic.twitter.com/MYL3EFdL8j
— Melody (@ImReallyMelody) July 13, 2020
Kelly Preston, our second mom from the movies. She leaves a long lasting influence upon an entire generation. Her screen presence will always be treasured. We miss you already. RIP pic.twitter.com/H0jtxuHDTz
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 13, 2020
Image: Instagram / John Travolta