Since the devastating loss of his wife Kelly Preston, John Travolta has committed himself wholeheartedly to raising their children and finding strength through his role as a father.

Over the years, Travolta has experienced profound joy and unimaginable heartbreak. While the world knows him for his iconic roles, such as Danny Zuko in Grease, it is his role as a parent and devoted family man that truly defines him today.

In July 2020, Kelly Preston, his beloved wife of nearly three decades, lost her private battle with breast cancer at the age of 57. The loss was a crushing blow, but Travolta has remained resilient, channeling his energy into being the best father possible to their two children, Ella and Benjamin.

Tragedy has, unfortunately, touched the Travolta family more than once. In 2009, John and Kelly experienced the heartbreaking loss of their eldest son, Jett, at just 16 years old. Jett passed away after suffering a seizure while on a family trip to the Bahamas. Recalling that dark period, Travolta once admitted, “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. There were times I wasn’t sure I’d survive it.”

When Kelly passed, the family shared that she had chosen to keep her illness private, supported by her closest loved ones. Known for her intelligence, warmth, and radiant energy, Kelly left behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew her.

Kelly’s decision to keep her health battle private was not uncommon among celebrities. Sally Phillips, a co-star in Kelly’s final film Off the Rails, revealed that even during filming, no one was aware of her diagnosis. Phillips explained that many actors, such as Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory, keep such struggles private due to concerns about future career opportunities and the impact on film insurance.

In the aftermath of Kelly’s passing, John took to Instagram to honor her memory, expressing deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses who had cared for her. “Kelly’s love and light will never fade,” he wrote, sharing his appreciation for everyone who supported their family during such a difficult time.

Travolta has leaned heavily on his children for support during this challenging period. His daughter Ella, who is following in her parents’ footsteps with a burgeoning acting career, has been a constant source of encouragement. On John’s first birthday without Kelly, Ella wrote a heartfelt message:

“Dad, you are not only the greatest father but also my best friend. Thank you for all that you do—your love, your strength, your kindness. The world is lucky to have you, and we are even luckier. I love you so much.”

On what would have been Kelly’s 59th birthday, John shared a touching tribute to his late wife, writing, “Happy Birthday, Kelly. We miss you and love you deeply.” Ella also honored her mother with a message filled with love and longing: “Happy Birthday, Mama. You are so missed and loved.”

While some of John’s friends have encouraged him to re-enter the dating scene, he has chosen to focus on his family. According to insiders, Travolta appreciates the support but is not yet ready to move on. “John’s priority is his kids. He’s flattered by the attention but just isn’t interested in dating right now,” a source revealed.

Travolta has also shared candid moments about his grief journey, including a poignant conversation with his son Benjamin. During an interview on Kevin Hart’s Heart to Heart, John recalled Benjamin expressing a fear of losing him. “Ben said, ‘I’m scared you’ll die too.’” In response, Travolta spoke honestly about the uncertainties of life, saying, “No one knows how long they have. The best we can do is live fully and cherish every moment.”

In an interview with Esquire Mexico, Travolta reflected on the deeply personal nature of grief. “Everyone grieves in their own way. It’s an individual journey, and the best thing you can do is respect how someone processes their loss,” he shared. “Healing takes time, and it’s different for everyone.”

Through his pain, John has found joy in celebrating his children’s achievements. His daughter Ella, who has appeared in films such as The Poison Rose and Old Dogs, has often expressed how much her father means to her. “He’s not just my dad—he’s my role model,” she said in an interview.

For John Travolta, fatherhood is not just a responsibility but a privilege. As he continues to honor Kelly’s memory, his love and dedication to his children remain the foundation of his life.