John Travolta Turns 70: Inside His Life after Death of His Girlfriend and Wife of 28 Years

• John Travolta, a celebrated Hollywood icon who recently marked his 70th birthday, has enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades.
• However, his life has been marked by profound loss, having mourned the death of his girlfriend and later his wife of 28 years, both to the same disease.
• Take a look at how he dealt with the tragic deaths.

John Travolta, a renowned Hollywood actor, and a household name, is not just known for his iconic roles in films like “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever,” but also for his journey of love and loss. He has loved deeply and lost profoundly, experiencing heartache with two of the women he held dear succumbing to the same disease.

His journey has its roots in Englewood, New Jersey, where Travolta was born and bred. Hailing from a family rich in Italian and Irish heritage, he was one of six children in a bustling household. This vibrant family environment played a significant role in shaping him into the devoted family man he is today.

The depth of Travolta’s devotion is evident in his role as a father. Now a parent to two children, Ella and Benjamin, his pride in them is palpable in his words and actions. He frequently shares their achievements and milestones with the world, a testament to the deep bond they share and the love that continues to grow within this tight-knit family.

This bond was beautifully showcased on his 70th birthday on February 18, 2024. Travolta took to Instagram to share a glimpse of his celebrations, which were marked by a special moment with his son.

He posted a video of his son Ben skiing, captioning it, “This was my favorite birthday gift today. Seeing my son Ben ski to a new level! I’m so proud of him.” Ben, Ella, and the late Jett are Travolta’s children with his late wife, Kelly Preston, who tragically lost her battle with breast cancer in 2020.

Decades earlier, Travolta had experienced a similar loss. His girlfriend, Diana Hyland, also succumbed to breast cancer. Travolta was a young actor when he met Hyland on the set of the television movie “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” where she played his mother. Despite their age difference and on-screen roles, they fell deeply in love.

Hyland, known for her roles in the American comedy series “Eight is Enough” and the soap opera “Peyton Place,” was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing a mastectomy, the disease returned. Travolta, who was filming “Saturday Night Fever” in New York at the time, flew back to Los Angeles to be by her side.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hyland passed away at the age of 41, with Travolta, then 23, by her side. He later shared that he felt her last breath leave her body. Despite the pain of losing his first great love, Travolta fondly remembers the joy they shared in their last months together.

He once said, “I gave her great joy the last months of her life. I always feel she is with me — I mean her intentions are. Diana always wanted the world for me in every possible way.”

When Hyland passed away, she left behind a three-year-old son, Zachary Goodson. In a 2016 interview, Goodson revealed that his mother died in Travolta’s arms. Travolta and his sister had tried to adopt him, but custody was given to Goodson’s father. Despite this, Travolta remained a part of Goodson’s life, even teaching him how to ride a bike.

Over a decade after losing Hyland, Travolta found love again with Preston. Their marriage, spanning nearly three decades, was not without its challenges. In 2005, 14 years into their union, Travolta candidly revealed that counseling was their secret weapon in navigating marital issues.

For 12 years, they attended counseling sessions every six months. Travolta firmly believed that without these sessions, their marriage might not have survived. The counseling sessions served as a platform for them to communicate their evolving needs and desires, ensuring they remained connected.

As their relationship matured, they found less need for counseling. They had mastered the techniques used by counselors, and when issues arose, they would tackle them together, saying, “OK, let’s you and I do it.” Their commitment to open and honest communication played a crucial role in preserving their marriage.

In the months preceding her untimely passing, Preston celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post. She expressed her deep love for Travolta, calling him “the most wonderful man I know.” In her heartfelt tribute, Preston spoke of the hope he gave her in times of despair, the unconditional love he showed her, and the joy he brought into her life.

She praised him as a wonderful father and expressed her unwavering trust in him. She affirmed that with him, she felt safe, no matter what life threw at them. She wrote, “You’re a dream Daddio, and make life so much fun!! I love you forever and completely. Happy 28th Anniversary.”

Less than 10 months later, Travolta shared the devastating news of his Preston’s passing in a heartfelt Instagram post. He expressed his grief, stating, “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”

He went on to express his gratitude for the doctors, nurses, friends, and loved ones who had supported them during this challenging time. He assured his followers that “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered.”

In an intimate interview with Esquire Spain, Travolta shared his personal journey of grief and healing following the loss of his wife. He underscored that mourning is a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual. Through his experience, Travolta discovered that the path to healing is found in navigating one’s own journey of grief.

He highlighted the importance of allowing others to experience their grief without interference or the burden of others’ sorrow. He shared a poignant example, explaining that if you are grieving at a funeral and another person, overwhelmed by their own sadness, approaches you, it can feel like two ships sinking together.

Travolta also revealed that in the wake of his loss, he was approached by many people. The collective sadness of others left him feeling overwhelmed. He advised that when confronted with grief, it’s crucial to find a space where you can mourn without interference.

Reflecting on his own mortality, Travolta expressed a poignant wish. If he were to die tomorrow, he would not want to see those around him consumed by sorrow. Following the loss of his wife, Travolta has devoted his life to raising their two children as a single dad. On the first Father’s day after Preston’s passing, Travolta shared a photo with his daughter and son.

He extended Father’s Day wishes to all, expressing, “It is a privilege to be the father of these two beautiful children – thank you for the honor and my love and respect to all fathers.” In July 2023, he posted a clip with caption, “Here’s our Summer trip to Japan.” shared a glimpse of their summer trip to Japan.

His followers were quick to praise his parenting skills, leaving comments such as, “You’re such an awesome dad” and “You are making beautiful memories for your children.” One fan remarked, “Love this. John still looking hot of course. Thank you for sharing.” These interactions highlight the admiration fans have for Travolta, not just as an actor, but also as a loving father.