On July 13, John Travolta announced that Kelly Preston, his wife of nearly 29 years, had died. She was 57. Preston had been battling breast cancer for two years at the time of her death.
Best known for her roles in movies including “Jerry Maguire” and “Twins,” Preston’s last film role was in 2018’s “Gotti,” in which she played Victoria Gotti, opposite her husband as notorious mob boss John Gotti.
She leaves behind two children — Ella, 20, and Benjamin, 9. The couple’s son Jett died tragically in 2009 at the age of 16.
In the wake of Preston’s death, celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to her.
Actor Russell Crowe remembered auditioning with her for “Breaking Up,” calling her a “sparkly-eyed gem”:
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— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 13, 2020
Actor and singer Barbara Streisand called Preston a “wonderful friend” and “one of the loveliest people in our lives and such a great mother and wife”:
Kelly Preston was a wonderful friend…one of the loveliest people in our lives and such a great mother and wife. Our hearts are forever with John, Ella, and Ben. Jim and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/qjnmYGLvQW
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) July 13, 2020
“Our hearts are forever with John, Ella and Ben,” she added alongside a photo of herself with Preston and Travolta. “Jim [Brolin] and I are heartbroken.”
NBC anchor Maria Shriver also memorialized Preston on Twitter, noting her shock at the sad news of her death and calling her a “bright and loving soul, a talented actress and a loving mom and wife”:
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. #RIP #KellyPreston https://t.co/DndcfOtlOn
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 13, 2020
Country star Shania Twain wrote that she was “unbelievably saddened” by the news of Preston’s passing at such a young age:
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 💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/kDophIwa6y
— Shania Twain 💎 (@ShaniaTwain) July 13, 2020
“A beautiful and kind person I was fortunate enough to have known,” she added along with a group selfie including herself, Preston and Travolta. “My heart breaks for John and the kids.”
Travolta also posted his own moving tribute to his late wife on Instagram.
“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,” he wrote. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”
He went on to thank her care team at MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as her friends and loved ones who supported her during her illness.
“Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” he wrote. “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. All my love, JT.”