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18 Feb 2026 2:46
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    John Travolta has remembered Kelly Preston on the first Mother's Day since her death

    The 'Grease' star lost his wife - with whom he had Jett, who died in 2009 aged 16, Ella, 21, and 10-year-old Benjamin - to cancer in July 2020 and he paid a touching tribute to the actress to mark the special day on Sunday (09.05.21)


    Taking to Instagram, he wrote in a poignant and sweet message: "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 (sic)"

    Ella, 21, the oldest of their children, also penned her own message for her late mom.

    She wrote on her social media accounts: "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 (sic)"

    Kelly had been secretly battling breast cancer for two years prior to her death.

    At the time of her passing, a spokesperson for the family said: "On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends. She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched. Her family asks for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time."

    And John later confirmed the news in a social media post.

    The post read: "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. Kelly's love and life will always be remembered. (sic)"

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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     Today's News

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    Entertainment:
    Leslie Grossman and Sascha Penn are married 21:57

    Politics:
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    Entertainment:
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    Living & Travel:
    Second-placed Auckland FC look to close the gap on leaders Newcastle tonight in the A-League 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Harry Styles learnt "how to slow down" on his career break 20:57

    Entertainment:
    Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's sex life is better now that he is not "so big" 20:27

    Entertainment:
    Tyler Perry broke his collarbone in a "terrible" bike fall 19:57

    Entertainment:
    James Van Der Beek's brother "didn't know it would hurt so badly" when he died 19:27

    Politics:
    The Greens say the Government's attacking workers with a major change to workplace law 18:57


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