Actress Kelly Preston Dies of Breast Cancer at 57

Kelly Preston, actress and wife of John Travolta has died following a two-year battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband and two children Ella and Benjamin. She was 57.

A statement made by a family representative to PEOPLE 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.”

Born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, Preston began her career with minor roles in television shows like For Love and Honor, before breaking through in 1985 with her first major movie role in Mischief.

 She went onto star in films such as SpaceCamp (1986), Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996), and For Love of the Game (1999), with her final film role being Victoria Gotti, in 2018’s biographical crime film Gotti. Preston played the wife of the titular character, the mafia boss John Gotti, who was portrayed by husband Travolta.

Alongside a successful career, Preston also enjoyed a treasured marriage with Travolta, with whom she shared a decades-long romance.

The couple who married in 1991 celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary last September, with Preston writing a heartfelt note to her husband:

“To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know. You have given me hope when I have felt lost, loved me patiently and unconditionally… made me laugh harder than any other human being possible… shared the most beautiful highs and, at times low. You’re a dream Daddio and make life so much fun!! I trust my love with you implicitly… with you I know I will always be okay no matter what happens… I love you forever and completely. Happy 28th Anniversary.”

The mother of three children – daughter Ella, 20, son Jett, who died tragically in 2010 and 9-year-old son Benjamin – Preston’s final Instagram post on Father’s Day of a photo their two children and an additional black-and-white portrait of Travolta and Jett, was a celebration of her marriage, motherhood, and life.

Rest in Peace Kelly.