Heartbreaking comment John Travolta's son said after mum Kelly Preston's death

By Lexie Cartwright

news.com.au·

22 Aug, 2021 10:17 PM3 mins to read

John and Ben Travolta. Photo / via Instagram

John Travolta has revealed the heartbreaking discussion he had with his young son after Kelly Preston died of breast cancer last year.

The US actors, who were married for 19 years when Preston died aged 57 after a two-year cancer battle, share 10-year-old son, Ben.

In a candid interview with Kevin Hart on his talk show series, Hart to Heart, Travolta, 67, revealed a difficult conversation he had with Ben while they were walking through their neighbourhood together after his mother's passing.

John Travolta and Kelly Preston at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles in 2007. Photo / Getty Images

"He said to me once, 'Because mum passed away, I'm afraid you're going to'," Travolta told Hart.

"I said, 'Well, it's a very different thing.' And I went through the differences about my longevity and her limited life.

"I said, 'But you know, Ben … you always love the truth and I'm going to tell you the truth about life. Nobody knows when they're gonna go or when they're going to stay.'"

The Grease actor continued: "'Your brother left at 16. Too young. Your mother left at 57. That was too young. But who's to say? I could die tomorrow. You could. Anybody can. So let's look at it like it's part of life. You don't know exactly. You just do your best at trying to live the longest you can'."

Travolta referenced his son, Jett Travolta, who tragically died in 2009 aged 16 after suffering a seizure when he hit his head on a bathtub during a family holiday in the Bahamas.

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A post shared by Kelly Preston (@therealkellypreston)

Preston died in July last year after a private battle with cancer.

"On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer," a statement read at the time.

John Travolta pictured with his daughter Ella and son Ben. Photo / via Instagram

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

"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."