Kelly Preston death: Russell Crowe, Lea Thompson and others join celebs paying tribute to John Travolta's wife
Several stars and celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to John Travolta's wife Kelly Preston, who passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Preston's death was confirmed by Travolta in a heartbreaking Instagram post where he said his wife's "love and life will always be remembered," and thanked the outpouring of support that he knew would be sent his way.
"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."
"My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side," he continued. "Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. 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."
Preston, 57, had featured in more than 60 television and film productions over a three-decade career in Hollywood, including films such as 'Mischief' (1985), 'Twins' (1988), and 'Jerry Maguire' (1996). Her final role was in 2018's 'Gotti,' a biographical crime film about New York City mobster John Gotti starring Travolta in the titular role.
Many of former co-stars have now come out to pay their respects to Preston, who they lauded for her being an inspiring presence. Spencer Breslin, who appeared alongside Preston in 2003's 'The Cat In The Hat,' wrote, "RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss."
Russell Crowe took to Twitter to reveal how he and Preston had auditioned together to star in 'Breaking Up.' "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 haven't seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly-eyed gem. Love to her family. R.I.P," he wrote.
Lea Thompson, who was Preston's co-star in 'Space Camp,' wrote on Instagram, "I am so very sad to hear of my old friend @therealkellypreston passing. We had so much fun making #spacecamp all those many years ago. She was always full of love and light and Hawaiian breeziness. Kelly was so beautiful inside and out. Went way too young. #heartbroken for her whole family #breastcancerawareness is so important. Hold each other close and let’s keep fighting for a cure."
Josh Gad, of 'Frozen' fame, tweeted, "I’m in absolute shock. 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. RIP #KellyPreston."
Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, recalled how the family had already dealt with a great tragedy a decade ago when Preston's and Travolta's son Jett died aged just 16 after suffering a seizure at the family's holiday home in the Bahamas. "Shocked by this sad news," she wrote. "Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who has already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength. #RIP #KellyPreston."