Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, died on July 12, 2020 after a two‑year battle with breast cancer, her family confirmed. The actress, who kept her health private while receiving care, is remembered for a steady screen career and a devotion to her family.
The Cause of Death and Family Statement
The family issued a statement shared with major media confirming that Preston died after a two‑year fight with breast cancer. In a public message, her husband, John Travolta, said she had “lost a two‑year battle with breast cancer,” praised her courage and thanked the medical teams who cared for her. Travolta also asked for privacy for the family and said he would step back from public life for a time to focus on their children.
Circumstances and Privacy
Preston chose to keep her health situation out of the public eye while receiving treatment. The public record does not include an exact diagnosis date, a cancer stage, subtype, or a full treatment history. Reporting notes the roughly two‑year timeframe of her illness, placing the likely start around 2018, but no precise medical timeline was released.
Career Highlights
Kelly Preston built a varied career across film and television. Her credits include early roles in Mischief (1985) and Twins (1988); a widely recognized part as Avery Bishop in Jerry Maguire (1996); and appearances in For Love of the Game (1999), The Cat in the Hat (2003), What a Girl Wants (2003), Sky High (2005) and Old Dogs (2009). She worked alongside John Travolta on projects including The Experts (1989), Battlefield Earth (2000) and Gotti (2018), and appeared on television in shows such as CSI: Cyber, Medium, Joey and Tales from the Crypt. Her final film, Off the Rails, was released in 2021 after her death.
Tributes and Public Reaction
Tributes appeared quickly after the announcement. John Travolta’s message set the tone, expressing gratitude for Preston’s courage and for the medical teams involved in her care while requesting privacy. Their daughter, Ella, shared a public tribute describing her mother with love and gratitude. Colleagues and friends offered condolences, remembering Preston as warm and kind. Many members of the public were surprised by the news because Preston had kept her illness private.
Conclusion
What is publicly known about Kelly Preston’s death comes from the family’s statement and mainstream reports that repeat it. Beyond the confirmation that she died July 12, 2020 following a two‑year battle with breast cancer, few additional medical details have been disclosed. In keeping with the family’s wishes, reporting remains factual and respectful of the privacy they sought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kelly Preston’s final film?
Her final film, Off the Rails, was released in 2021, after her death.
What was Kelly Preston’s birth name?
She was born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith and later became known professionally as Kelly Preston.
Did Kelly Preston ever step back from acting?
Yes. She spent periods focusing on family life, which led to spaced appearances on screen at times.
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