What Happened to Kelly Preston? How the Actress & John Travolta’s Wife Died

Kelly Preston largely stayed silent about her health before her death in July 2020. Find out more about the actress’ passing at age 57 here.

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What Happened to Kelly Preston? How the Actress & John Travolta's Wife Died
Image Credit: Getty Images

Kelly Preston was known for her roles in films like Jerry Maguire, Twins, and For Love of the Game, but she was also widely recognized for her decades-long marriage to John Travolta. The actress died in July 2020 at age 57 after privately battling health issues for two years. Following her death, Travolta shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing that Preston “fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many” while thanking the doctors, nurses, friends, and loved ones who cared for her throughout her treatment. He also revealed that he would be stepping away from the public eye for some time to focus on their children as the family grieved.

Find out more about Preston’s death, her family life, and her marriage Travolta below.

How Old Was Kelly Preston When She Died?

Preston was 57 years old when she died on July 12, 2020.

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 13:  Actors John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston pose at the after party for the premiere of Lions Gates' "Eulogy" at the Palomino Restaurant on October 13, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 13: Actors John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston pose at the after party for the premiere of Lions Gates’ “Eulogy” at the Palomino Restaurant on October 13, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

How Long Were John Travolta & Kelly Preston Married?

Travolta and Preston were married for nearly 29 years. The couple tied the knot in 1991 after meeting on the set of The Experts and remained together until Preston’s death in 2020.

In 2019, the pair celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary, with Travolta writing, “Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife @therealkellypreston.” Preston also shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband, calling him “the most wonderful man I know” and thanking him for loving her “patiently and unconditionally” through life’s highs and lows.

Did John Travolta & Kelly Preston Have Kids?

Yes, the couple had three children together: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Their eldest son, Jett, died in 2009 at age 16 after suffering a seizure while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas.

How Did Kelly Preston Die?

Preston died on July 12, 2020, after a private two-year battle with breast cancer, her representatives confirmed to People at the time.

In a statement, her family said the actress chose to keep her diagnosis out of the public eye while undergoing treatment with the support of her closest loved ones. The statement described Preston as “a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched,” while also asking for privacy as the family mourned her loss.