**John Travolta Reflects on Parenting and Legacy Following Kelly Preston’s Death**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kelly-preston-john-travolta-family-111226-fb7ed3cf78f4424b9ddfd884ba5b3f81.jpg)
John Travolta, the well-known star of the beloved film *Grease*, recently opened up about the enduring impact of his late wife Kelly Preston on their family during an interview with ExtraTV. Now aged 72, Travolta expressed profound pride in their three children, which includes their 26-year-old daughter, Ella Bleu, and 15-year-old son, Benjamin. The couple’s eldest son, Jett, tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 16, heightening the family’s experiences of both joy and heartbreak.
During the heartfelt conversation, Travolta candidly discussed his late wife’s love for their children, affirming that she died with the knowledge that they had raised them well. “My children are… It’s hard to find the words,” he began. “But every parent dreams that they’d have these ideal children, and they live up and beyond it.” He added that he has the comfort of knowing that both he and Preston can take pride in their parenting efforts.
The actor’s reflections come in the wake of Preston’s passing in 2020, after a battle with breast cancer that was kept largely private. Travolta’s emotional recollections seem to show a man who is processing his grief while simultaneously celebrating the accomplishments of his children.
A notable milestone for the family occurred recently, as Travolta shared a touching tribute to Preston on what would have been her 64th birthday. In a poignant Instagram post, he highlighted their daughter Ella’s significant achievement of debuting at Paris Fashion Week. The video montage featured moments of Ella preparing for and walking the runway, alongside industry luminaries such as Olivia Colman and Gigi Hadid. Travolta’s caption read, “Look at your baby girl now Kelly!! Happy birthday, you should be so proud!!”
Ella’s entry into the fashion world is just one illustration of the family’s shared dedication to exploring their own passions. In a further testament to their close-knit relationships, Ella also starred in her father’s latest project, *Propeller One-Way Night Coach*. Upon the film’s release, Travolta dedicated it to Preston and their late son, Jett, as a way to honor their memories and influence on his life and work.
Travolta revealed to Italian newspaper *La Repubblica* that creating the film was a tribute to the numerous significant figures in his life. “I dedicated the film to Kelly, to my son Jett, to my brothers and sisters, to my mother and my father, because they are the model from which this film was born,” he remarked.
Despite the adversities he has faced, including the losses of his wife and son, Travolta maintains a perspective focused on optimism. He told *La Repubblica*, “Life has certainly tested me, but my nature is to look for the positive, even in the face of the worst.” This resilient outlook appears to be a guiding principle for him as he navigates the challenges that life continues to present.
“I’m not made to remain absorbed in the darkness,” he reflected. “I can look at the darkness, but I don’t choose to die in that darkness.” This sentiment underscores the strength and determination that characterises Travolta’s approach to life after enduring immense personal loss.
Travolta’s work continues to unfold, with *Propeller One-Way Night Coach* streaming on Apple TV and his next film, *November 1963*, set for release on December 4. Each project not only acts as a creative outlet for the actor but also serves as a vehicle for his loving memories of Preston and Jett.
As Travolta continues to celebrate the lives they built together and the dreams their children pursue, his reflections remind us all of the profound connections forged through love, resilience, and the unwavering bond of family.
About the Author
