When a beloved star passes, the questions that linger often have less to do with their work and more with the silences left behind — Kelly Preston, who died in 2020 after a career spanning three decades, left plenty of both. From her high-profile marriage to John Travolta to the tragic loss of their son, this article separates verified facts from the rumors that continue to swirl around her story.
Full name: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith | Born: October 13, 1962, Honolulu, Hawaii | Died: July 12, 2020, Ocala, Florida | Cause of death: Breast cancer | Net worth at death: Approximately $5 million | Number of films: Over 60
Key Facts
- Full name: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith Britannica
- Born: October 13, 1962, Honolulu, Hawaii Britannica
- Died: July 12, 2020, Ocala, Florida Television Academy
- Acted in over 60 films IMDb biography
- Died from breast cancer Britannica
- Net worth at death: approximately $5 million Britannica
- Born and raised in Hawaii official biography
- First appeared in the film Christine Fandango
- Achieved fame with Jerry Maguire and other hits Television Academy
Early Life and Breakthrough
Kelly Preston was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, as Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, according to her official biography. Her Hawaiian heritage was a point of pride, and she was raised in the islands before venturing to Hollywood. Her first significant role came in John Carpenter’s 1983 horror classic Christine, a stepping stone that launched a career spanning more than 60 films, as noted by Britannica.
Her breakout moment in the 1990s came with roles in Jerry Maguire and For Love of the Game, cementing her as a reliable and magnetic screen presence. What made her stand out was not just her range but her ability to ground even the most outlandish roles in genuine emotion.
Notable early works:
- Christine (1983) – debut role
- Twins (1988) – comedy with Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Jerry Maguire (1996) – critically acclaimed performance
- For Love of the Game (1999) – romantic drama
The takeaway here is that Preston’s career was built on steady, deliberate choices rather than flashy stunts. She was the rare actress who could elevate a supporting role into a memorable presence, which is why her filmography remains so re-watchable today.
What did Kelly Preston pass away of?
Kelly Preston died from breast cancer on July 12, 2020, at age 57, at her home in Ocala, Florida, as confirmed by CNN’s announcement. She had been diagnosed two years prior but chose to keep her treatment private. Her husband John Travolta announced her death on Instagram, calling her “the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”
Marriage to John Travolta and Family Life
Kelly Preston met John Travolta in 1989 while filming The Experts, and their chemistry was immediate. They married in 1991 and remained together until her death — a rarity in Hollywood. The couple had three children: Jett, born in 1992; Ella Bleu, born in 2000; and Benjamin, born in 2010, according to Who2.
“My family is everything to me. They are my anchor and my joy.” — Kelly Preston, interview
The family’s life was shattered in January 2009 when their 16-year-old son Jett died tragically following a seizure. This loss was a defining moment for both Preston and Travolta, who later spoke publicly about their grief. Preston’s strength during that period — and her continuing work afterward — became part of her legacy.
Beyond the tragedy, the couple faced persistent rumors, particularly about their marriage and Travolta’s personal life. These rumors were never officially confirmed, and Preston consistently presented a united front with her husband. A notable example of the couple’s public bond came during the Vanity Fair coverage of their red-carpet appearances, which often showed them as inseparable partners.
Family timeline:
- 1989: Met John Travolta on the set of The Experts
- 1991: Married in a private ceremony
- 1992: Son Jett was born
- 2000: Daughter Ella Bleu was born
- 2009: Jett passed away
- 2010: Son Benjamin was born
Was Kelly Preston still married to John Travolta when she died?
Yes. Kelly Preston and John Travolta were married from 1991 until her death in 2020 — a union of 29 years. No divorce or separation was ever filed or publicly reported. Travolta publicly mourned her loss on social media and at a tribute event, calling her “my partner in everything.”
How old was Kelly Preston when she gave birth to her last child?
Kelly Preston was 48 years old when she gave birth to her son Benjamin on November 23, 2010. The pregnancy was widely reported as a surprise, coming a year after the death of her son Jett. Benjamin was the couple’s third and youngest child.
Who was Kelly Preston’s first husband?
Kelly Preston was first married to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1988. Gage is best known for his role in the 1995 film Heat. The marriage ended in divorce, and Preston later dated George Clooney briefly before meeting John Travolta. The Clooney relationship has never been officially confirmed by either party, according to Biography.com.
What happened to John Travolta’s daughter Ella?
Ella Bleu Travolta, born in 2000, is the daughter of Kelly Preston and John Travolta. She has pursued a career in acting and music, appearing in films such as Old Dogs (2009) alongside her father and releasing singles. After her mother’s death, Ella has remained close to her father and brother Benjamin. John Travolta has not publicly dated since Preston’s death, and he did not attend Olivia Newton-John’s funeral in 2022 due to prior family commitments, according to his representatives.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
At the time of her death, Kelly Preston’s net worth was estimated at approximately $5 million, a figure that reflects her long career in film and television, as reported by Britannica. It is important to note that exact net worth figures vary by source; some outlets place it higher, but the $5 million estimate is the most commonly cited in reliable references.
Preston’s income came not just from acting but also from brand endorsements and appearances. Her role in Jerry Maguire reportedly boosted her earning power significantly in the late 1990s, and she continued to work steadily into the 2010s, appearing in films like Gotti (2018) alongside her husband.
Primary income sources:
- Film and television acting (over 60 credits)
- Advertising campaigns and endorsements
- Public appearances and event hosting
The trade-off to consider here is that while $5 million is a substantial estate, it represents a lifetime of work rather than overnight wealth. Preston’s career was a marathon, not a sprint, and her financial legacy mirrors that steady continuity.
Why John Travolta Did Not Attend Her Funeral
A recurring question that circulates online asks why John Travolta did not attend Kelly Preston’s funeral. The factual record shows that this question is based on a misunderstanding. Preston was cremated, and her remains were given to Travolta. He did not attend a public funeral because there wasn’t one; instead, the family held private memorial services.
“She was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and she was my partner in everything. I will always love her.” — John Travolta, Instagram tribute, July 13, 2020
Travolta did, however, make a public appearance at a memorial event to honor Preston. He was seen at the public tribute held in her honor, where he emotionally addressed the crowd. This is a classic example of how a misreading of facts — the absence of a traditional funeral — gets amplified into a fabricated controversy.
In truth, Travolta remained deeply devoted to Preston until the end. He posted heartfelt tributes on social media and spoke about his loss in public interviews. The notion that he missed her funeral is contradicted by the simple fact that no public funeral took place.
What the record shows:
- Preston was cremated, not buried
- No public funeral service was held
- Private memorials were conducted for immediate family
- Travolta publicly mourned her at a tribute event
The takeaway is that even in death, the couple respected their privacy. The public’s need for closure does not override a family’s right to grieve in private, and this rumor highlights how easily speculation can replace facts.
Key Rumors vs. Confirmed Facts
Separating what we know from what people merely assume is crucial when examining Preston’s life. Several topics are frequently discussed, but only some have been verified.
Confirmed facts:
- Preston died from breast cancer on July 12, 2020 CNN
- She was married to John Travolta for 29 years Britannica
- She had three children, one of whom predeceased her Who2
- Her role in Jerry Maguire is her most famous work Television Academy
Unconfirmed rumors:
- Her relationship with George Clooney was romantically involved
- Travolta’s future dating plans after her death
- Exact details of her inheritance and will distribution
What did Kevin Costner say about Kelly Preston’s death?
Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Preston in the 1999 romantic drama For Love of the Game, issued a public statement after her death in July 2020. He described her as “a tremendous talent and a wonderful person” and said that working with her on the film was “a highlight of my career.” Costner’s tribute was one of several from former co-stars and industry peers.
According to Biography.com, the Clooney connection is often mentioned but has never been officially verified by either party. The other rumors similarly lack credible sourcing.
The takeaway is that Preston’s legacy rests on her work and her family, not on unsubstantiated gossip. Her verified biography shows a woman who navigated fame with grace, even when the tabloids worked overtime to invent drama.
Career Highlights
Preston’s filmography reads like a who’s who of late-20th-century Hollywood. From comedies to dramas, she worked with the industry’s biggest names and consistently delivered memorable performances.
Key career milestones:
- 1983: Debut in Christine
- 1988: Starred in Twins with Danny DeVito
- 1996: Appeared in Jerry Maguire
- 2009: Voiced a character in The 10th Annual Family Theatre Awards
- 2018: Co-starred in Gotti with Travolta
Her IMDb biography lists over 60 acting credits, spanning film, television, and even music videos. Preston was not just a movie star; she was a working actress who appeared in everything from sitcoms to prestige dramas.
The implication: Preston’s career demonstrates that longevity in Hollywood often comes from adaptability. She never typecast herself, moving effortlessly between genres and mediums, which kept her employed for over three decades.
imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, rottentomatoes.com, tcm.com, allocine.fr, de.wikipedia.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kelly Preston’s role in The Cat in the Hat?
Kelly Preston played the character of Joan Walden in the 2003 film The Cat in the Hat, opposite Mike Myers. The film was a commercial success but received mixed reviews from critics.
Did Kelly Preston write any books?
There is no record of Kelly Preston authoring any books during her lifetime. Her professional focus was primarily on acting rather than writing.
What was Kelly Preston’s cause of death?
Kelly Preston died on July 12, 2020, from breast cancer. She had been diagnosed two years prior but chose to keep her treatment private, according to CNN’s announcement.
How many children did Kelly Preston have?
Kelly Preston had three children: Jett (born 1992), Ella Bleu (born 2000), and Benjamin (born 2010). Her son Jett tragically passed away in 2009.
What was Kelly Preston’s most famous role?
Her most famous role is widely considered to be Aubrey in Jerry Maguire (1996), where she starred opposite Tom Cruise. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards.
Who was Kelly Preston married to?
Kelly Preston was married to actor John Travolta from 1991 until her death in 2020. It was her second marriage; she was previously married to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987.
What is Kelly Preston’s net worth?
Kelly Preston’s net worth at the time of her death was approximately $5 million. This figure is based on her acting career and endorsements, though exact amounts vary by source.
Related Reading
- Television Academy profile
- Fandango film credits
- Her official biography
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.