Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife of 28 years, had been battling breast cancer for two years now and she passed away on July 12.
Saying goodbye to one's spouse can not be an easy thing to do for anyone even when you see it coming. Spouses of those who go through a long and terminal illness can feel a lot of mental and emotional strain.
John Travolta's wife of 28 years, Kelly Preston, passed away on July 12 after battling breast cancer for two years, which was also the last time she starred in a movie.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Travolta revealed that his wife, whom he met in 1988 while filming The Experts, has passed away. "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. 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," he said.
"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 father-of-two concluded.
Dozens of people responded to his post, including actor William Demeo, to lend their support to the man. "John we are deeply so sorry for the loss of your beautiful talented wonderful wife Kelly Preston. Every time I was in her company she had a smile on her face. What a good heartened amazing person and mother. May she rest in Heaven. Love you buddy!" he said.
"Heartbreaking! May her soul rest in peace!" said singer-songwriter Wissam Hilal. Another follower shared an anecdote about Preston. "As teenagers, a buddy and I used to wash a few of your cars and your plane at your house in the Spruce Creek Flyin way back in the early ’80s. Kelly would often bring us out cold water and snacks and tell us we were doing a 'wonderful job'. She was always kind and sincere...no sign of pretentiousness ever. Just a genuine caring woman. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Live well for her. She always seemed so proud of you and happy to be with you," said the follower.
For Travolta, this is the second big loss in his life as he previously lost his oldest child, Jett, who was autistic, due to a seizure in January 2009. Their son was only 16 and the family was at their holiday home in the Bahamas, as per The Guardian. The Travoltas had sued an ambulance driver and his attorney after accusing them of trying to extort $25m. The ambulance driver was in possession of sensitive information about their son’s death, which he had threatened to reveal.
The Grease actor dropped the case eventually after a mistrial because of the strain it had caused his family. The couple has two more kids, daughter Ella Bleu born in 2000 and a son, Benjamin, who was born in 2010. For the Travolta family, Benjamin was their "new beginning."
They called his birth "nothing less than a miracle." "For us, it's been uplifting," Travolta said as per ABC. "He's given the house a renewed spirit and purpose. He's brought us a new beginning, and his presence has brought joy to all the people who have wanted the best for us."
Their family was the most important thing to them. "I don't think there is any time that we don't think about him," Travolta said. "All our memories are connected to Jett over the last 18 years -- our photos, our homes, our travel. It's not something that will ever leave us."
Now, this fresh pain would be another hill they have to climb over as a family. He would have to be there for his kids, for which he is taking time away from all else in his life. He is a devoted dad and is proving so again.
Rest in peace, Kelly.
References:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-survival-tips-for-the-spouse-of-a-terminally-ill-person/
