The Private Battle: Unraveling Kelly Preston's Cause Of Death And Her Secret Final Years
The tragic passing of actress Kelly Preston in July 2020 shocked the world, not only because of her relatively young age but also due to the private nature of her final struggle. As of late
The decision by Kelly Preston and her family to keep her diagnosis hidden was a conscious choice, one that allowed her to focus on treatment and family life away from the relentless scrutiny of the public eye. While the official cause of death is known, the details surrounding her courageous, two-year private war against the disease provide a powerful, yet heartbreaking, narrative about her resilience and determination in her final years.
Kelly Preston: A Complete Biographical Profile
Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, was a vibrant American actress and former model whose career spanned four decades, encompassing over 60 film and television roles. She was best known for her roles in iconic films and her high-profile marriage to fellow actor John Travolta.
- Full Name: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith
- Date of Birth: October 13, 1962
- Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
- Spouse: John Travolta (m. 1991; her death 2020)
- Children: Jett Travolta (1992–2009), Ella Bleu Travolta (b. 2000), and Benjamin "Ben" Travolta (b. 2010)
- Notable Films: Mischief (1985), Secret Admirer (1985), Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996), Addicted to Love (1997), For Love of the Game (1999), The Cat in the Hat (2003), Sky High (2005), and Gotti (2018).
- Date of Death: July 12, 2020
- Age at Death: 57
- Cause of Death: Breast Cancer
- Religion: Scientology (practiced until her death)
The Confirmed Cause of Death: A Two-Year Private Battle with Breast Cancer
The definitive cause of Kelly Preston's death was confirmed to be breast cancer. She passed away on July 12, 2020, at the age of 57, after what her husband, John Travolta, described in a heartfelt Instagram post as a "courageous fight" that lasted two years.
The official statement released by a family representative provided crucial context, noting that Preston had been undergoing medical treatment for some time but had made a deliberate choice to keep her struggle private. This decision to shield her family and herself from the media spotlight during such a vulnerable time is a key detail that defines her final years.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women globally, and Preston's passing served as a poignant reminder that the disease continues to take lives, even with advancements in detection and treatment. The unexpected nature of the news, given her public silence, highlighted the intense privacy she maintained throughout her illness.
The two-year timeline suggests that her diagnosis came around mid-2018. During this period, she continued to live her life as normally as possible, which included working on her final film projects and maintaining a cheerful, active presence on social media, often posting loving tributes to her family.
Why Kelly Preston Kept Her Health Struggle a Secret
One of the most compelling aspects of Kelly Preston's final years was her unwavering commitment to privacy regarding her cancer diagnosis. This choice was not made lightly and speaks volumes about her priorities and personality.
The family's representative explicitly stated, "Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends." This level of secrecy extended even to professional colleagues.
For instance, while filming her final movie, the British comedy-drama Off the Rails, co-star Sally Phillips revealed that Preston never once mentioned her illness to anyone on set. This dedication to her craft and her desire to maintain a sense of normalcy for her co-workers and, more importantly, her children, is a testament to her strength.
The decision to keep the battle private allowed her to focus her energy on her health and her family, particularly her youngest son, Ben, and daughter, Ella Bleu, without the added stress of public speculation, paparazzi, and the intense media coverage that often surrounds celebrity illnesses. This was especially important for the Travolta-Preston family, who had already endured the very public and devastating loss of their eldest son, Jett Travolta, in 2009.
The Impact on John Travolta and the Travolta Family
Kelly Preston's death was the second major tragedy to strike the Travolta family, following the passing of their 16-year-old son, Jett, who died from a seizure while on a family vacation. John Travolta’s public statements after Kelly’s death were deeply moving, highlighting the profound grief and the strength he drew from his remaining children.
In his initial announcement, Travolta paid tribute to the medical professionals and caregivers who assisted his wife, stating he would be "taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother." This statement underscored his immediate priority: supporting Ella Bleu and Benjamin through their devastating loss.
Travolta has since opened up about the grieving process, describing it as "very personal" and a journey that everyone must navigate in their own time. He also shared a candid conversation he had with his young son, Ben, about the nature of death and the fear of losing his father as well. This public sharing, though rare, has offered a glimpse into the family's healing process and their attempts to move forward while honoring Kelly's memory.
Kelly Preston's Final Projects and Legacy
Despite her private health struggle, Kelly Preston continued to work, leaving behind a final filmography that showcased her enduring talent.
- Gotti (2018): This was her last major on-screen role alongside her husband, John Travolta. She played Victoria Gotti, the wife of mob boss John Gotti (played by Travolta). The film allowed the real-life couple to share the screen one last time in a dramatic setting.
- Off the Rails (2021): Released posthumously, this was her final film appearance. The movie, which was filmed in 2019, featured Preston as one of three friends recreating a European rail trip. Her co-stars were unaware of her cancer battle during production, demonstrating her professionalism and dedication to keeping her private life separate from her work.
Kelly Preston's legacy is not just defined by her film roles, but by her enduring image as a loving wife and mother who faced unimaginable challenges with grace. Her choice to keep her breast cancer battle a secret was a final act of protection for her family, ensuring her last years were spent on her own terms, filled with love and support, rather than public sorrow. Her memory continues to be honored by her family through regular tributes and acknowledgments of her strength and light.
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