Actress Kelly Preston has died at 57.
Husband John Travolta shared the news on his Instagram account Sunday:
“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. 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.
A family representative told People magazine that the actress passed away on the morning of July 12, “following a two-year battle with breast cancer.”
The representative told People:
“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.”
Preston is survived by Travolta, her husband of nearly 30 years, their daughter Ella, 20, and 9-year-old son Benjamin. Their son Jett died in January 2009.
A model turned actress, Preston appeared in dozens of television programs and films, notably “Twins” in 1988 and “Jerry Maguire” in 1996. She also appeared as the girlfriend of Travolta’s character in the 2000’s “Battlefield Earth,” which was widely panned.
Both Preston and Travolta have long been prominent members of the Church of Scientology.
Travolta posted the following: