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Gone Too Young: Kelly Preston, 57, Dies from Breast Cancer

Breast cancer kills more than 40,000 women in the U.S. every year. Sadly, on Sunday it took actress Kelly Preston far too early, reminding us how important it is to be vigilant about our breast health.

She was understandably and adorably flummoxed to catch a shirtless Arnold Schwarzenegger singing “Yakety Yak” in the movie Twins in 1988.

She was hilariously indignant and psychopathic, getting dumped by Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire in 1996.

But Kelly Preston played other admirable roles in her life. Loyal wife to John Travolta, through a wide range of rumors. Dignified bereaved mother after losing their son Jett. Quiet but determined breast cancer fighter.

Unfortunately, she didn’t win that battle, dying at age 57 on Sunday July 12th.

“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,” Travolta wrote on his Instagram. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”

Preston had not made her breast cancer diagnosis public. “She had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” a family representative announced.

Read More: What to Do (and Say) When a Friend Is Sick

A Family Woman

Her 20-year-old daughter Ella Bleu posted a photo of Preston on social media along with an emotional message. “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. I love you so much mama.”

Last September, during her illness, she and Travolta celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. She wrote this to her husband on Instagram on the occasion: “To my dearest Johnny, the most wonderful man I know. You have given me hope when I have felt lost, loved me patiently and unconditionally… made me laugh harder than any other human being possible… shared the most beautiful highs and at times low. You’re a dream Daddio and make life so much fun!! I trust my love with you implicitly… with you I know I will always be okay no matter what happens… I love you forever and completely.”

For her last family holiday, Father’s Day, she posted a photo of herself surrounded by Travolta, their 20-year-old daughter Ella Bleu, and their 10-year-old son Benjamin, whom they conceived after their son Jett died. Wearing no or little make up, she appears as beautiful as ever, with a radiant smile. Maybe she had some knowledge that she wouldn’t have many more days, but her face doesn’t reveal any sadness, just joy.

We have a feeling that–rather than any movie performance–this is how she’d like to be remembered.

Read More: She Always Wanted Bigger Boobs, Then Learned to be Careful What She Wished For

Author

  • Jeannie Ralston, Founder NextTribe

    Jeannie Ralston is the co-founder and CEO of NextTribe. Before starting NextTribe, Ralston was a journalist (published in National Geographic, Life, The New York Times) and an award-winning travel writer. Her years growing lavender in rural Texas was the subject of her memoir, The Unlikely Lavender Queen, published by Broadway Books; her e-book, The Mother of All Field Trips, was about the three years she and her husband homeschooled and traveled with their sons. She is based in Asheville, NC.

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