John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston’s love story is one fit for a movie. They first met at a screen test for the 1989 “The Experts,” got married in 1991, and had three children together. The two were blessed with a daughter, Ella Bleu, and sons, Benjamin and Jett. The couple experienced a joyful marriage and enjoyed parenting their amazing children.
John adored his kids. In 2002, when John was shooting “From Paris with Love,” the actor said he couldn’t imagine what life would be like without Jett.
Kelly Preston gets a visit from John Travolta and Jett while on location filming the 1997 motion picture “Addicted to Love” in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
After Jett’s birth on April 13, 1992, his father cradled him for hours while Kelly slept. “When they came to take him away for various tests, I said, ‘No, you can’t see him today. You’ll have to do it another day.’ I went a little nutsy,” he admitted.
Unfortunately, in 2009, John and Kelly lost their son Jett while on vacation in the Bahamas. He was found unconscious by a caretaker in the bathroom, and his family was alerted.
As stated by the family lawyer, Michael Ossi, Jett experienced a seizure at the family’s vacation home at the Old Bahama Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island. Tragically, Jett struck his head in a bathtub and was pronounced dead at Rand Memorial Hospital, as confirmed by police spokeswoman Loretta Mackey.
Jett, who died aged 14, had also been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease while two. John revealed that his son had flu-like symptoms and was very ill before he was diagnosed. Kawasaki disease impacts children between the ages of two and five, leading to inflammation of the arteries. While it is treatable, there is a risk of lasting heart damage associated with the condition.
Ella, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and Jett pose in an undated picture. | Source: Getty Images
John and Kelly Preston wanted to have another child after Jett was born. However, due to his health needs, they focused their attention on him, and time got away from the couple. “I thought maybe we would have another child five years later or so,” said Kelly.
Kelly Preston attends the “Casino Jack” premiere during the 35th Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, on September 16, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
In 2000, they welcomed their baby girl Ella. Still, they wanted another baby, and when they finally started trying, Kelly didn’t get pregnant for years, but they kept attempting to conceive even after Jett died. Eventually, Kelly got pregnant naturally at 47, and she admitted they were “just really blessed.”
The risks of having a child later in life didn’t cross Kelly’s mind, but she knew it would be difficult getting a baby into this world in her late 40s. When she conceived after three years of trying, she noted, “I never thought that would be me at all. So, I think we’re just really happy that we’re so fortunate.”
Kelly’s third baby, Benjamin, was born on November 23, 2010, weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. The family said in a statement that they were excited and happy about their newest addition. Mother and baby were doing well and looked beautiful after the birth. Ella, who was looking forward to being a big sister, even helped her mom clean the house in readiness for her baby brother.
Seven weeks after Benjamin was born, his parents showed him off, calling their son a “miracle” because of how long they tried to have him and the age they had him. “It’s so wonderful to bring another child into the world and to look at things through his eyes. He’s so innocent and so, just so sweet,” divulged Kelly.
Benjamin Travolta | Source: Instagram/johntravolta/
The couple chose the name Benjamin for their son because it’s a great boys’ and men’s name. “It’s also a really gentle name,” said Kelly. She also described her son as peaceful, calm, and very present.
John gushed that their newborn had given their house a renewed spirit and purpose. Their home in Ocala, Florida, was filled with happiness, lullabies, readings, and hugs. The parents were also ecstatic when Benjamin smiled for the first time.
Kelly Preston, John Travolta, Ella Bleu Travolta, and Benjamin Travolta pose as they arrive for the screening of the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” in Cannes, southern France on May 15, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Benjamin Travolta | Source: Instagram/johntravolta/
Benjamin Travolta | Source: Instagram/johntravolta/
In addition to making their home a little more brighter, Kelly also said Benjamin Travolta was helping the family heal after they lost Jett. As much as they still grieved Jett, it was wonderful to welcome a new life, which was a great gift to many people in the world.
“We’ve gotten the most beautiful letters. And the most beautiful notes of happiness,” shared Kelly. It was a relief and joy for the family to share the happiness of Benjamin’s arrival with so many other people.
Kelly raised her son until his preteen years before she passed away. John announced in a post on Instagram on July 13, 2017, that his wife had died after a two-year battle with breast cancer. He thanked the medical centers that treated Kelly, including MD Anderson Cancer Centre, and the friends and loved ones who always supported them.
John added, “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.” He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support from people as he and his family began the journey of healing.
John and Benjamin Travolta | Source: Instagram/johntravolta/
Kelly’s son Benjamin is now a teen, three years after he lost his mother. Ella Bleu Travolta celebrated his brother on his birthday in November 2023 with a cute picture of Benjamin as a toddler. She wrote, “Happy Birthday, my sweetest Benjamin. It feels like yesterday you were this young, and now you’re 13!! I love you!❤️🎉.”
John also shared pictures and videos of Benjamin on Instagram. The actor couldn’t believe that his son was now a teenager. He captioned the post, “Ben turns 13 today. I love you, my son!”
John Travolta and Kelly’s journey to have their son, now maturing into a fine teenager, was filled with challenges. The excitement upon Benjamin’s birth brought healing to the family. In the face of the heartbreaking loss of his wife, John now takes on the role of raising both his son and daughter.
