Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kelly Preston death: John Travolta and Josh Gad lead tributes

'What a lovely woman – such a sad loss,' her on-screen son Spencer Breslin wrote

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 13 July 2020 04:01 EDT
Comments
Actor Kelly Preston dies of breast cancer, aged 57

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

John Travolta has led the tributes to his wife Kelly Preston, who has died at the age of 57.

The actor, best known for her roles in Twins and Jerry Maguire, died after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Travolta, who married Preston in 1991, wrote: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Sarah Paulson responded by posting a series of broken heart emojis accompanied with the words: ”Love you so.”

Other stars to pay tribute include Josh Gad, Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel and Spencer Breslin, who played Preston’s son in the 2004 film The Cat in the Hat.

“Oh John,” Emmanuel wrote in response to Travolta’s post. “Sending you and your family all the love in the world.”

“I’m in absolute shock,” Frozen actor Gad wrote. “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.”

NBC presenter Maria Shriver remembered Kelly as ”such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife”.

Lost actor Daniel Dae Kim recalled his experience working with Preston on 1999 film For Love of the Game.

“I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films,” he wrote. ”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.”

Breslin paid tribute to his “on-screen mom”, writing: “What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss.”

Preston and Travolta had three children together: Ella, 20, Benjamin, 9, and Jett, who died of a seizure in 2009 at the age of 16.

Her other screen credits include What a Girl Wants, Sky High and, most recently, Gotti.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in