John Travolta Shared a Touching Tribute to Kelly Preston on the First Mother’s Day After Her Death

Photo credit: Alexander Tamargo - Getty Images
Photo credit: Alexander Tamargo - Getty Images
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • John Travolta shared a tribute to his late wife Kelly Preston on Mother’s Day.

  • The post featured throwback family photos of them with their three kids.

  • Their daughter Ella also shared a childhood photo dedicated to her mom.


In July 2020, John Travolta’s wife Kelly Preston died after falling ill with breast cancer. Over the weekend, the Grease actor acknowledged his family’s first Mother’s Day without her, writing a sweet tribute to her under some photos of them with their kids.

“Dearest Kelly, you brought into my life three of the most wonderful children I have ever known. Thank you. We love and miss you. Happy Mother’s Day,” he captioned the post.

Travolta and Preston met in 1989 while filming The Experts and married in 1991, per Today. The couple had three kids together—Ella, 21, Benjamin, 10, and a first son Jett, who died from a fatal seizure in 2009 at the age of 16.

Many sent Travolta and his family encouraging words, hoping to lift his spirits. “Happy Mother’s Day to your gorgeous bride in the skies above! I believe she is right there with you and your amazing children! 🙌🙏🏼🌈,” one person commented. “She left a GORGEOUS legacy. You two created a bright future for everyone,” another wrote. “This is beautiful. I’m sorry you’ve endured so much loss,” another added.

Their daughter Ella also shared a post dedicated to her mom including a photo of them from her childhood. “Mama, thank you for all you have done for us and for this world. I miss you and love you very much, but your smile, warmth and love is ever lasting. Wishing all of the moms a happy Mother’s Day❤️,” she wrote.

Last month, Travolta spoke with Esquire Spain for his first interview since Preston’s death and called the grieving process “something personal,” sharing his own experience with it. When Preston died, he didn’t know how to process his emotions at first, and quickly realized that although he enjoyed the support of friends and family, he needed to be alone.

“The first thing you should do when you experience grief is to go to a place where you can mourn, without any interference,” he told the publication. “Even though it’s great to have company, sometimes it becomes like you’re helping them rather than putting yourself to work overcoming feelings of loss and grief.”

Last July 13, Travolta announced her death to the world on Instagram, writing: “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.”

You Might Also Like