By Marisa Laudadio
9:21am PDT, Jul 13, 2020
Actress Kelly Preston passed away on July 12, 2020, following a private two-year battle with breast cancer. In the hours that followed the sad news, Hollywood stars, friends and fans took to social media to honor, mourn and pay tribute to the "Jerry Maguire" actress. See how they reacted, starting with this post by Kelly's devoted husband of 28 years, John Travolta. "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," he began a message on Instagram. "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." Keep reading for more…
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"I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. 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. I love you so much mama.❤️" –daughter Ella Travolta
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"Kelly Preston was extraordinary. I was lucky enough to star with her and direct her, and her talent was off the charts. She had such a big heart, she was a wonderful wife and mother, and my thoughts are with John and the whole family." —Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Kelly Preston. Can't remember where, but, met first in late '92 I think. Such a lovely person. In 1995 we auditioned together for Breaking Up, Salma Hayek got that gig. I haven't seen her much, but when I did, she was always the same sparkly eyed gem. Love to her family. R.I.P." –Russell Crowe
"I am so very sad to hear of my old friend @therealkellypreston passing. We had so much fun making #spacecamp all those many years ago. She was always full of love and light and Hawaiian breeziness. Kelly was so beautiful inside and out. Went way to young. #heartbroken for her whole family #breastcancerawareness is so important. Hold each other close and let's keep fighting for a cure. 💔" –Lea Thompson
"Sweet Kelly. God rest your soul. You will be so missed," Rita Wilson wrote on Twitter, adding on Instagram, "@therealkellypreston Such a beautiful soul, sparkling eyes exuding kindness and strength. She found the joy in life. She loved fiercely. Loved her beautiful children Jett, Ella and Ben and loved her husband, @johntravolta She was a blast to work with, made everything more fun. She always supported others. Please keep Kelly, John, Jett, Ella and Ben in your prayers. She will be so missed."
"I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films, 'For Love of The Game.' We were shooting on cold days in Colorado, but she couldn't have been warmer or kinder to a young, nervous actor trying to make good. I'll never forget that. Thank you Kelly. #RestInPeace" –Daniel Dae Kim
"I'm unbelievably saddened by the news that Kelly Preston has passed and at such a young age. A beautiful and kind person I was fortunate enough to have known. My heart breaks for John and the kids" –Shania Twain
"I'm in absolute shock. What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age. My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss. RIP #KellyPreston" –Josh Gad
"RIP to my on screen mom, #kellypreston. What a lovely woman. Such a sad loss." –Spencer Breslin, who co-starred with Kelly Preston in "The Cat in the Hat"
"I knew #KellyPreston in high school. She was supernaturally beautiful and kind. Last time we spoke we discussed my directing a remake of 52-PICK UP in which she'd play the Ann-Margret role. It would've been special for us @PunahouSchool alums. All my heart to John, Ella, and Ben." –filmmaker Rod Lurie
"Shocked by this sad news. Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength. #RIP #KellyPreston" –Maria Shriver
"Sending so much love to you and your family in this heartbreaking moment. 💔" —Mariah Carey, who sent this message to John Travolta on Instagram
"I am holding you all in love. Your wife, your partner in life, was a darling soul. Always at the ready with comfort and grace. What a team you were. She will be so missed. 🖤" –Selma Blair, who sent this message to John Travolta on Instagram
"Heard about Kelly Preston. Condolences to John and family." –William Shatner
"A beautiful lady. Inside and out. A crushing loss. Rest In Peace, Kelly Preston" –Holly Robinson Peete
"This is so sad. I spent an afternoon with Kelly and a few other actresses at a Dolce&Gabbana fashion show and she was open and hilarious and lovely. It was a great afternoon. God bless John Travolta and their kids. #RipKellyPreston" –Patricia Heaton
"Such sadness as Naya Rivera still missing, Kelly Preston passes, also losing dear Lisa Marie Presley's son Benjamin. Hold your loved ones tighter, in our fragile existence." –Lisa Vanderpump
"Man prayers up for John Travolta, he been through it all. God ease his heart." –Chance the Rapper
"RIP Kelly Preston. I was blessed to do a film with you. You were our daily sunshine. What a sweet soul. Rest well girl. My prayers today will be for your family. -T" —Toby Keith
"Loving thoughts for 9 year old Benjamin, 20 yr old Ella and John Travolta also the Preston family. May you rest in peace beautiful, talented Kelly Preston." –Mia Farrow
"IN LOVE with Kelly Preston when first saw her in Twins. Starstruck upon meeting her at first Jerry Maguire rehearsal. BLOWN AWAY by her kindness… To all of us. Rest In Peace." –Jerry O'Connell
"Cannot believe that Kelly Preston has passed away. We were first in touch during the time Kelly & John allowed us to purchase their home in Hawaii. This loss is tragic. God bless the entire Preston-Travolta family." –Kathy Ireland
"My heart breaks for you and your family. In utter shock reading this. I'm so sorry. Sending you all love ❤️" –Maria Menounos, who sent this message to John Travolta on Instagram
"I just want to say that 'Secret Admirer' was the movie that made me fall in love with Kelly Preston and Lori Loughlin. when I met her on set she was the loveliest woman ever. So kind. She kept her breast cancer private. I respect her for that. I'm crying right now for her family." –Jillian Barberie, who also battled breast cancer
"Kelly Preston was enormously kind and unbelievably lovely. Can't believe this. My thoughts are with her sweet Ella and the rest of her incredible family" –Chloe Bennet
"This is so sad. My thoughts are with her family and friends. She was and still is a beautiful light." –Holly Marie Combs
"In a year of loss in a myriad of ways, for all of us, I am sorry to hear she passed and am praying for those who knew and loved her, especially daughter and husband." –Yvette Nicole Brown
