Actress Kelly Preston Dies of Cancer at 57

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Kelly Preston. The actress, age 57, died on Sunday morning after a long battle with breast cancer. Her husband, John Travolta, confirmed the sad news in an emotional Instagram post. 

“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,” the American Crime Story star wrote, posting a photo of his wife. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”

“Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” he added. “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.”

Travolata and Preston met on the set of The Experts in 1987 and tied the knot in 1991. Preston has appeared in many films and TV shows and frequently starred opposite her husband. Most recently, she hit the big screen in 2018 in Gotti, a mob biopic where she played Victoria Gotti, wife of crime boss John Gotti, who was portrayed by Travolta. 

Preston is survived by her husband  of 18 years and their children, their 20-year-old daughter Ella and 9-year-old son Benjamin. The couple’s son, Jett, died in 2009 at the age of 16 due to a seizure.

The actress’ daughter Ella Travolta also took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute to her mother. “I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” Ella wrote. “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.,” she concluded.

Celebrities took to social media to offer their condolences to Preston’s family and pay tribute to the Jerry Maguire Star. “I’m in absolute shock,” Josh Gad wrote on Twitter.” 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.” 

“I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films, For Love of The Game,” tweeted Daniel Dae Kim. “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.” 

Many others, fans and stars alike, took to Twitter to mourn the loss as well.

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

— . (@AzukOfficiaI) July 13, 2020

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