Take a moment to scroll through John Travolta's Instagram, and you'll notice something immediately—it's all about family. Whether it’s a heartfelt snapshot of his daughter Ella, now 21, or a video of him cheering alongside his son Ben, 10, during the Stanley Cup playoffs, John's posts radiate love and devotion. "I’m a very proud dad," he says with pride when talking about Ella. And then there are the photos of his late wife, Kelly Preston, who tragically passed away at the age of 57 after battling breast cancer. These images remind us that family isn’t just central to John's life—it's everything.
Family Takes Center Stage After Heartbreaking Loss
Since losing Kelly last year, John has undergone a profound transformation. A close friend shared with Closer magazine that the actor has become even more present in his children’s lives. "John’s kids have always been the most important part of his world, but now, without Kelly by his side, he's leaning into that role more than ever," the friend explained. "He's changed—there's no doubt about it. He's more focused on what truly matters." At 67 years old, John is reassessing his priorities. Traveling less, taking fewer acting roles, and even selling two of the vacation homes he shared with Kelly—in Maine and Florida—are just some of the ways he's adjusting to this new chapter of his life.
Learning to Grieve and Heal
John openly discusses the lessons he's learned from mourning Kelly's death. "Crying for someone and living in mourning is deeply personal," he reflects. "We all grieve differently, and embracing your own journey can lead to healing." While the pain of losing Kelly remains fresh, John finds solace in spending quality time with Ella and Ben. After a year of introspection, he's ready to step back into the spotlight. He's currently filming a new movie titled Paradise City, co-starring Bruce Willis, and sharing his thoughts on what the future holds.
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John’s commitment to his children is unwavering. "First and foremost, I'm ensuring the future of my kids," he says firmly. "I want to help them achieve their dreams, whatever those may be." This isn't the first time John has faced grief head-on. In 2009, he and Kelly lost their son Jett, who was just 16, after a tragic accident. That experience taught John how to navigate difficult conversations with his remaining children. Recalling a poignant moment, he shared how Ben once expressed fear about losing him too. "Ben said to me, 'Because Mom passed away, I'm afraid you're going to,'" John recounted. "I explained the differences between our lifespans and reminded him that life is unpredictable. We should strive to live as long as possible while cherishing every moment."
Leading by Example
John believes in leading by example, especially when it comes to teaching his children about resilience and gratitude. "He's never taken life for granted," a mutual friend notes. "Since losing Jett, John has lived life to its fullest, but now he's more introspective. His focus is ensuring Ella and Ben are happy, healthy, and supported in every way." To support Ella, John is actively helping her pursue her passion for acting. Meanwhile, he's ensuring Ben excels academically and socially. Alongside a trusted nanny and a network of friends, including his longtime co-star Olivia Newton-John, John is building a strong support system for his children. "That bond was formed years ago, and I don't think it'll ever break," John said of his friendship with Olivia.
When it comes to romance, John admits he's not ready to move forward. "He's open to love, but it's something for down the road," the friend explains. For now, John is fully committed to his role as a father. "I'm figuring out what's next," he confesses. "Ben is still so young. I want to help him grow into the best version of himself." It's clear that John's actions align with Kelly's dreams for their family. "Kelly always wanted to see her kids grow up, get married, and have families of their own," the friend recalls. "John wants to honor her memory by being the eyes through which she can watch their lives unfold." As John moves forward, one thing remains certain—family will always be at the heart of everything he does.
