Kelly Preston's Death Draws Emotional Tribute From Her Friend Rita Wilson
By TheBlast Staff on July 13, 2020 at 4:20 AM EDT
Gettyimages | Jim Smeal
Kelly Preston passed away over the weekend after battling breast cancer for more than two years, her family announced on Sunday. The actress, who is married to John Travolta, never publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis, making the news extremely shocking to fans and those outside of the family. She was just 57 when she passed away.
Preston was beloved by many of her fellow actors, and among them is Rita Wilson, who is married to Tom Hanks.
On Monday morning, Wilson shared a touching tribute to her friend. "Such a beautiful soul, sparkling eyes exuding kindness and strength," Wilson wrote of Preston on Instagram.
"She found the joy in life. She loved fiercely. Loved her beautiful children Jett, Ella and Ben and loved her husband, [John Travolta]. She was a blast to work with, made everything more fun. She always supported others. Please keep Kelly, John, Jett, Ella and Ben in your prayers. She will be so missed."
A spokesperson for the family announced Preston's death, saying that she had been undergoing medical treatment for "some time" and was supported by her family and friends throughout her battle with cancer.
A family representative also talked to PEOPLE about Preston, and called her "a bright, beautiful and loving soul." They went on to say that the family is requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Wikimedia | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Travolta_Kelly_Preston_Cannes_2014.jpg
Preston and Travolta share 20-year-old daughter Ella together. On Sunday night, she also wrote some emotional words about her late mother.
"I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you," Ella wrote alongside a photo of Preston.
"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," she continued. "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 is survived by Ella and her and Travolta's nine-year-old son Benjamin. The couple had another son, Jett, who passed away at age 16 in 2009.
She first rose to fame as an actress in the mid-80s and was best known for her roles in the movies Twins, Jerry McGuire, For Love of the Game, and more recently played the role of Travolta's wife in the biopic Gotti.
