John Travolta, Daughter Lead Kelly Preston Tributes After Actress Dies at 57

Tributes are pouring in for actress Kelly Preston who has passed away from breast cancer at the age of 57.

Her husband John Travolta announced the sad news via Instagram, where he honored his late wife who "fought a courageous fight" with her illness, which she had kept private.

A representative for the family told P': "On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer.

"Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends."

They added: "She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched. Her family asks for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time."

Preston is survived by her husband John Travolta and their daughter Ella, 20, and 9-year-old son Benjamin. Their son Jett died at age 16 in January 2009.

Travolta, 66 thanked the doctors who looked after Preston and said: "Kelly's love and life will always be remembered."

He added: "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."

The actor's teenage daughter also shared a heartfelt tribute to her "courageous, strong, beautiful and loving" mother.

"I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you," she wrote.

"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."

She added: "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."

As news of Preston's tragic death broke on Monday morning, many leading figures from the entertainment industry have been paying their respects to the actress, who was also known for her roles in films Jerry Maguire and Twins.

Russel Crowe took to Twitter to express his condolences.

The Gladiator star tweeted: "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."

Actor Josh Gad tweeted: "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."

Actress Maria Shriver added: "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."

Chloe Bennet of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fame wrote: "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. RIP."

Film critic Scott Weinberg shared a thread of some of Preston's most famous roles and acknowledging her importance in movies in the mid-1980s tweeting: "if you were a movie nut in the mid-1980s, you definitely noticed Kelly Preston. She was a real standout in Christine, Mischief, Secret Admirer, Twins. She was stunningly beautiful; and could play sweet, but was even better at playing mean. Probably best known for Jerry Maguire."

Other famous faces honoring the late star include Adina Porter and film producer Jonathan Sothcott.