John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s journey included the tragic loss of their son Jett in 2009.
Despite challenges, they welcomed Benjamin in 2010 at Kelly’s age of 47, considering him a “miracle.” Benjamin brought joy and healing to the family. Kelly, who passed away in 2017, raised Benjamin until his preteen years. Now, John takes on the role of raising both his son and daughter.
John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston got married in 1991 and had three children together. The two were blessed with a daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta, and sons, Benjamin and Jett Travolta. The couple experienced a joyful marriage, though not without its share of challenges.
In 2009, John and Kelly lost their son Jett while on vacation in the Bahamas. As stated by the family lawyer, Michael Ossi, Jett experienced a seizure at the family’s vacation home at the Old Bahama Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island. Tragically, Jett struck his head in a bathtub and was unconscious at Rand Memorial Hospital, as confirmed by poIice spokeswoman Loretta Mackey. He was found unconscious by a caretaker in the bathroom, and his family was alerted. And he passed away…
View this post on Instagram
John and Kelly Preston wanted to have another child after Jett was born. However, due to his health needs, they focused their attention on him, and time got away from the couple. “I thought maybe we would have another child five years later or so,” said Kelly. When they finally started trying for a baby, Kelly didn’t get pregnant for years, but they kept trying even after Jett died. Eventually, Kelly got pregnant naturally at 47, and she admitted they were “just really blessed.”
View this post on Instagram
The risks of having a child later in life didn’t cross Kelly’s mind, but she knew it would be difficult getting a baby into this world in her late 40s. When she conceived after three years of trying, she noted, “I never thought that would be me at all. So, I think we’re just really happy that we’re so fortunate.”
View this post on Instagram
Kelly’s third baby, Benjamin, was born on November 23, 2010, weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. The family said in a statement that they were excited and happy about their newest addition. Mother and baby were doing well and looked beautiful after the birth. Ella, who was looking forward to being a big sister, had helped her mom clean the house in readiness for her baby brother.
Seven weeks after Benjamin was born, his parents showed him off, calling their son a “miracle” because of how long they tried to have him and the age they had him. “It’s so wonderful to bringing another child into the world and to look at things through his eyes. He’s so innocent and so, just so sweet,” divulged Kelly.
The couple chose the name Benjamin for their son because it’s a great boys’ and men’s name. “It’s also a really gentle name,” said Kelly. She also described her son as peaceful, calm, and very present. John gushed that their newborn had given their house a renewed spirit and purpose. Their home in Ocala, Florida, was filled with happiness, lullabies, readings, and hugs. The parents were also ecstatic when Benjamin smiled for the first time. Kelly also said Benjamin Travolta was helping the family heal after they lost Jett. As much as they still grieved Jett, it was wonderful to welcome a new life, which was a great gift to many people in the world.
View this post on Instagram
“We’ve gotten the most beautiful letters. And the most beautiful notes of happiness,” shared Kelly. It was a relief and joy for the family to share the happiness of Benjamin’s arrival with so many other people. Kelly raised her son until his preteen years before she passed away. John announced in a post on Instagram on July 13, 2017, that his wife had died after a two-year battle with breast cancer. He thanked the medical centers that treated Kelly, including MD Anderson Cancer Centre, and the friends and loved ones who always supported them. John added, “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.” He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support from people as he and his family began the journey of healing.
Kelly’s son Benjamin is now a teen, three years after he lost his mother. Ella Bleu Travolta celebrated his brother on his birthday in November 2023 with a cute picture of Benjamin as a toddler. She wrote, “Happy Birthday my sweetest Benjamin, it feels like yesterday you were this young and now you’re 13!! I love you!❤️🎉.” John Travolta and Kelly’s journey to have their son, now maturing into a fine teenager, was filled with challenges. The excitement upon Benjamin’s birth brought healing to the family. In the face of the heartbreaking loss of his wife, John now takes on the role of raising both his son and daughter.
