Kelly Preston, who memorably punched Tom Cruise in the face in Jerry Maguire and watched Kevin Costner pitch a perfect game in For Love of the Game, died on Sunday at the age of 57, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her husband, John Travolta, confirmed the news on his Instagram account.
“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,” Travolta wrote. “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. 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.”
Married in 1991, Preston and Travolta had three children together: Jett Travolta, who died in 2009 at the age 16; Ella Bleu Travolta, 20; and Benjamin Travolta, 9.
“I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you,” Ella Bleu wrote on her Instagram account after Preston’s death. “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.”
In a statement to People, a representative for the family said Preston had chosen to keep her breast cancer diagnosis private but added that “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.”