TRAVOLTA’S HEARTACHE Wife Kelly dies of cancer at 57
JOHN Travolta paid a moving tribute to his wife Kelly Preston yesterday after her death at the age of 57.
The actress passed away on Sunday morning following a secret two-year battle with breast cancer.
It is the second tragedy to hit the family after the couple’s 16-year-old son Jett died after a seizure in 2009.
Kelly is also the second partner John has lost to the disease.
He was in a relationship with actress Diana Hyland, whom he met while filming The Boy In The Plastic Bubble in 1976, remaining with her until her death from breast cancer a year later.
John, 66, wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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.”
It was the first time her cancer battle had been revealed publicly.
A spokesman for the family added: “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.”
The couple’s daughter Ella, 20, said: “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
‘She was a bright beautiful and loving soul who cared about others’
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.”
John and Kelly were married for 28 years. They lived in Florida and were both Scientologists.
Last September, as the couple celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary, John paid tribute to his partner on Instagram.
He wrote: “Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife.”
She also shared a note to her husband, writing: “To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know. “You have given me hope when I have felt lost. Loved me
patiently and unconditionally. Made me laugh harder than any other human being possible. Shared the most beautiful highs and at times low.
“You’re a dream Daddio and make life so much fun.
“I trust my love with you implicitly.
“With you I know I will always be okay no matter what happens.
“I love you forever and completely. Happy Anniversary.”
Honolulu-born Kelly had her breakthrough role as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love interest in Twins, the 1988 comedy that also starred Danny DeVito.
The same year she first met John after they worked together on the film The Experts.
One of her most memorable roles came as Tom Cruise’s hardhearted fiancee in 1996’s Jerry Maguire.
The romantic comedy-drama was a global smash hit and was nominated for five Academy Awards.
She also starred in the films The Cat In The Hat (2003), What A Girl Wants (2003), Broken Bridges (2006) and Old Dogs (2009).
In 2000, she had a brief cameo with her husband in the sci-fi flop Battlefield Earth.
More recently, the couple worked together in the 2018 film Gotti, in which John played the late Mafia boss John Gotti. Kelly played the mobster’s wife, Victoria.
In all, she appeared in more than 60 television and film productions.