
Kelly Preston: Life, Death, Family, and Relationships
Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, was an American actress whose life was defined by her roles in Hollywood and her family with John Travolta. Her death in 2020 from breast cancer ended a two-year battle she kept private.
Born: October 13, 1962, Honolulu, Hawaii | Died: July 12, 2020, Ocala, Florida | Cause of Death: Breast cancer (diagnosed 2018) | Spouse: John Travolta (m. 1991–2020) | Children: 3 (Jett, Ella Bleu, Benjamin) | Notable Films: Twins, Jerry Maguire, The Cat in the Hat
Personal Life
- Full name: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith
- Born: October 13, 1962
- Died: July 12, 2020
- Spouse: John Travolta (1991–2020)
Career Highlights
- Debut in 1982 as Kelly Palzis
- Notable films: Mischief, Twins, Jerry Maguire
- TV appearances: The Love Boat, For All Mankind
Family
- Children: Jett (1992–2009), Ella Bleu (2000–), Benjamin (2010–)
- Motherhood at 47: Benjamin’s birth
Key Facts
- Married John Travolta in 1991
- Died of breast cancer after a two-year battle
- Son Jett died in 2009 at age 16
| Full Name | Kelly Kamalelehua Smith (later Kelly Preston) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Date of Death | July 12, 2020 |
| Cause of Death | Breast cancer |
| Spouse | John Travolta (m. 1991) |
| Children | Jett, Ella Bleu, Benjamin |
| Notable Work | Jerry Maguire, Twins, The Cat in the Hat |
What Did Kelly Preston Pass Away Of?
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Battle
Kelly Preston died of breast cancer after a two-year battle, as confirmed by her family BBC News. She was diagnosed in 2018 and kept her condition private.
Final Days and Family Statement
John Travolta announced her death on Instagram, stating she had lost a two-year battle with breast cancer BBC News. She passed away at her home in Ocala, Florida, according to Wikipedia.
Public Reaction and Tributes
Fans and fellow actors paid tribute. Travolta later described Preston as a devoted wife and mother Us Weekly.
“She was a devoted wife and mother.” – John Travolta (Instagram statement)
The implication: Preston’s private battle with breast cancer ended in 2020, leaving Travolta and their two surviving children.
Did Kelly Preston Have a Baby at 47?
Birth of Son Benjamin in 2010
Kelly Preston gave birth to her son Benjamin at age 47 in 2010 HELLO! Magazine.
Pregnancy at 47: Public Perception
Preston’s later-in-life motherhood was covered in media. She had two other children: Jett (born 1992, died 2009) and Ella Bleu (born 2000) Britannica.
Other Children: Jett and Ella Bleu
Jett Travolta died in 2009 at age 16 after a seizure BBC News. Ella Bleu was born in April 2000 IMDb and has followed her parents into acting HELLO! Magazine.
How Long Did George Clooney Date Kelly Preston?
Brief Romance in the Mid-1980s
George Clooney and Kelly Preston dated briefly in the 1980s and lived together for a short time Wikipedia.
Living Together and Breakup
They lived together but eventually split. Preston later married John Travolta; Clooney married Amal Clooney.
Later Friendships and Marriages
Both moved on to long-term marriages.
“I dated Kelly Preston… She’s a wonderful person.” – George Clooney (interview, 2010s)
Has John Travolta Dated Anyone Since Kelly Preston’s Death?
John Travolta’s Grief and Public Appearances
As of 2025, John Travolta has not publicly dated anyone since Kelly Preston’s death Us Weekly.
Rumors and Speculation
No confirmed romantic relationships reported. He has focused on his children and charitable work.
Focus on Family and Charity
Travolta continues to honor Preston’s memory.
How Old Was Ben Travolta When Kelly Preston Died?
Benjamin Travolta’s Birth and Age
Benjamin Travolta was born in November 2010 and was 9 years old when Kelly Preston died in 2020 ABC News.
Impact of Mother’s Death on the Family
The family faced the loss of both Jett in 2009 and Kelly in 2020.
Ella Bleu Travolta’s Role
Ella Bleu, the older sister, has supported her brother HELLO! Magazine.
The consequence: Benjamin lost his mother at a young age, and Ella Bleu stepped into a supportive role.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1962 – Kelly Preston born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- 1982 – Began acting career, using her legal name Kelly Palzis.
- 1985 – Breakthrough role in Mischief.
- Mid-1980s – Brief romance with George Clooney.
- 1991 – Married John Travolta.
- 1992 – Birth of son Jett Travolta.
- 1996 – Starred in Jerry Maguire.
- 2000 – Birth of daughter Ella Bleu Travolta.
- 2009 – Son Jett died at age 16.
- 2010 – Birth of son Benjamin Travolta (at age 47).
- 2018 – Diagnosed with breast cancer.
- 2020 – Kelly Preston died in Ocala, Florida.
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The actress later succumbed to her private battle with breast cancer, a diagnosis she had kept hidden from most of the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kelly Preston’s cause of death?
Breast cancer, as confirmed by her family and multiple news sources.
How old was Kelly Preston when she died?
57 years old (born October 13, 1962; died July 12, 2020).
How many children did Kelly Preston have?
Three: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
Did Kelly Preston have a baby at 47?
Yes, she gave birth to son Benjamin in 2010 at age 47.
Who was Kelly Preston married to?
John Travolta, from 1991 until her death.
What movies is Kelly Preston famous for?
Twins, Jerry Maguire, and The Cat in the Hat.
Did Kelly Preston and George Clooney date?
Yes, briefly in the mid-1980s.
Is John Travolta dating anyone now?
As of 2025, no public relationship has been confirmed.
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