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Hollywood is mourning the loss of actress Kelly Preston, who died on July 12, 2020 at the age of 57. The actress had been fighting breast cancer for the last two years before her death, though she kept her battle a secret from the public. A rep confirmed the death to People, saying, «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.»
She is survived by her husband, John Travolta, and her two kids — Ella, 20 years old, and Benjamin who is just 9 years old. The couple had another child, Jett, who sadly died in 2009 at the age of 16 after a seizure. Travolta posted on Instagram following Preston’s passing, «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.» He added, «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.»
Meanwhile, other celebrity friends and colleagues of Preston, as well as other family members, took to social media to express their own grief as well.
Kelly Preston’s daughter mourns her mom
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Kelly Preston’s daughter shared a tribute to her mother on Instagram. Ella wrote, «I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. Anyone who is lucky enough to have known you or to have ever been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never ceases to shine and that makes anyone around you feel instantly happy. Thank you for being there for me no matter what. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your help and thank you for making this world a better place. You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always. I love you so much mama.»
Preston was really a fixture in the entertainment industry, having made a name for herself in the late ’80s in Twins and starring in some iconic ’90s movies like Jerry Maguire and For Love Of The Game, among many others, as her extensive list of credits on IMDB would attest. As such a well known fixture in the biz, many different celebs throughout the industry paid tribute to Preston on Twitter and Instagram.
Celebs all reached out on social media for Kelly Preston
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Celebs from all across the board paid tribute to Kelly Preston after she died of breast cancer in mid-July. Journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver tweeted, «Shocked by this sad news. Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength.»
Actor Josh Gad was also «shocked«, writing, «What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age. My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss.»
Russell Crowe also shared a memory of Preston. He tweeted, «Kelly Preston. Can’t remember where, but, met first in late ’92 I think. Such a lovely person. In 1995 we auditioned together for Breaking Up, Salma Hayek got that gig. I havent seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly eyed gem. Love to her family. R.I.P» Spencer Breslin, who appeared alongside Preston in 2003’s The Cat in the Hat also tweeted, «RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss.»
Everyone who knew her loved her
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Celeb tributes to Kelly Preston continued to roll in throughout the day after her death was confirmed. Actor Jerry O’Connell, who appeared in Jerry Maguire with Preston, tweeted, «IN LOVE with Kelly Preston when first saw her in Twins. Starstruck upon meeting her at first Jerry Maguire rehearsal. BLOWN AWAY by her kindness… To all of us.»
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in Twins with her, tweeted, «Kelly Preston was extraordinary. I was lucky enough to star with her and direct her, and her talent was off the charts. She had such a big heart, she was a wonderful wife and mother, and my thoughts are with John and the whole family.» Musician Shania Twain also tweeted, «I’m unbelievably saddened by the news that Kelly Preston has passed and at such a young age. A beautiful and kind person I was fortunate enough to have known. My heart breaks for John and the kids.»
Additionally, musician Toby Keith, author Nicholas Sparks, former Real Housewife Lisa Vanderpump, actress Mia Farrow, and so many others also shared their shock and grief at her passing. The sheer number and variety of people publicly mourning Kelly Preston is a testament to just how important she was to not just her family, but also her friends, the industry, and anyone she ever worked with.