Actress dies at age of 57 after battle with breast cancer

Actress Kelly Preston died at 57 after a battle with breast cancer.

Preston’s husband, actor John Travolta, wrote an emotional post on Instagram Sunday night, confirming that his wife of 28 years had died.

“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,” Travolta, 66, wrote. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.

“Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” Travolta wrote, saying he planned to take time off “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.”

The couple had three children – daughter Ella, 20, and sons Benjamin, 9, and Jett, who died at age 16 in January 2009 after having a seizure while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas.

Ella Travolta paid tribute to her mother on Instagram.

“I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” she wrote. “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.”

A family statement to People magazine said Preston chose to keep her cancer “fight private.”

“She had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” the statement said. “She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched.”

Preston starred in films such as the comedies “SpaceCamp” ( 1986) and “Twins” ( 1988); as Tom Cruise’s fiancée, Avery Bishop, in “Jerry Maguire” ( 1996); and alongside Kevin Costner in the sports drama “For Love of the Game” ( 1999).

Preston’s final film role was in 2018’ s “Gotti,” playing Victoria Gotti, the wife of Mafia boss John Gotti. It was a family affair as Travolta portrayed John Gotti.

Travolta and Preston met while filming 1988’ s “The Experts.” They were married at a midnight ceremony in Paris in 1991.

In September, Travolta and Preston celebrated 28 years of marriage with dual social media offerings.

“Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife,” Travolta, 65, wrote on Instagram, posting a photo of the couple embracing.

Soon after, Preston posted her own photo and described on Instagram how much Travolta meant to her.

“To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know,” she wrote. “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 lows.”

AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Kelly Preston has died of breast cancer at age 57.