5 Heartbreaking Facts About Kelly Preston's Cause Of Death And Private Battle

The tragic death of actress Kelly Preston in July 2020 sent shockwaves through Hollywood, largely because her two-year battle with a devastating illness had been kept entirely private from the public. As of this date, December 18, 2025, the official and confirmed cause of death for Kelly Preston remains metastatic breast cancer, a diagnosis she chose to fight away from the intense media spotlight.

The decision to keep her health struggle a secret reflected a deep desire for privacy during a profoundly challenging time, allowing her to focus on her treatment, her family—husband John Travolta and children Ella and Benjamin—and to even complete her final film role. Her passing at the age of 57 left a void, not just in her family, but in the hearts of fans who admired her vibrant screen presence and resilience in the face of previous family tragedy.

Kelly Preston: A Life in Profile

Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, known professionally as Kelly Preston, was a celebrated American actress and former model whose career spanned four decades. She was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and passed away on July 12, 2020, in her home in Clearwater, Florida.

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• Full Name: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith
• Born: October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
• Died: July 12, 2020 (Age 57) in Clearwater, Florida, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Spouse: John Travolta (m. 1991–2020)
• Children: Jett Travolta (1992–2009), Ella Bleu Travolta (b. 2000), Benjamin Travolta (b. 2010)
• Notable Films: Mischief (1985), SpaceCamp (1986), Twins (1988), Jerry Maguire (1996), For Love of the Game (1999), The Cat in the Hat (2003), Sky High (2005), Gotti (2018), Off the Rails (2021, final film).

The Two-Year Private Battle with Breast Cancer

The most shocking detail surrounding Kelly Preston’s death was the revelation that she had been fighting breast cancer for two years without public knowledge.

Her husband, John Travolta, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post following her passing, stating that she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends.

This level of secrecy is rare for a high-profile celebrity, underscoring her commitment to protecting her family’s privacy and managing her health on her own terms. The decision meant that for two years, she navigated chemotherapy, treatment, and the emotional toll of the disease while maintaining a public face for her work and family life.

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The intense focus on privacy also allowed her to remain a mother and wife without the constant scrutiny of tabloids and paparazzi. Her family described her as a "bright, beautiful and loving soul" who fought a courageous battle.

The Unseen Courage: Kelly Preston's Final Film Role

One of the most compelling aspects of Kelly Preston’s private struggle is the fact that she completed her final film, a British comedy-drama titled Off the Rails, while managing her cancer diagnosis.

The film, which was released posthumously in 2021, tells the story of three friends who recreate a European rail trip to honor a late friend. Co-stars, including Sally Phillips, later revealed that Kelly Preston never mentioned her illness on set.

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This dedication to her craft, maintaining a professional and cheerful demeanor despite the private physical and emotional fight she was enduring, highlights her incredible strength and resilience. Her final performance is now viewed by many as a poignant tribute to her enduring spirit.

The Travolta Family's Double Tragedy

Kelly Preston’s death was the second major tragedy to strike the Travolta family in just over a decade, adding an immense layer of grief to her passing.

In 2009, their eldest son, Jett Travolta, died at the age of 16 after suffering a seizure while on a family holiday in the Bahamas. Jett had a history of seizures and was on the autism spectrum.

The loss of Jett was a devastating event that deeply impacted both Kelly and John, who spoke openly about their attempts to cope with the grief. Kelly Preston’s subsequent death from breast cancer meant that John Travolta and their two surviving children, Ella and Benjamin, had to cope with losing a wife and mother, respectively, after already enduring the loss of a son and brother.

The Olivia Newton-John Connection and Legacy

The topic of Kelly Preston’s cancer battle is often linked to her husband’s close friend and former co-star, Olivia Newton-John, who herself had a very public, multi-decade battle with breast cancer.

Olivia Newton-John, known for her role in Grease with John Travolta, was a vocal advocate for cancer research and awareness. Following Kelly’s death, Olivia spoke about her friend's "private" fight, emphasizing Kelly's beauty and kindness.

The shared experience of cancer within their close circle underscored the pervasive nature of the disease, prompting both families to continue supporting cancer research and awareness initiatives. Kelly Preston’s legacy is now intrinsically tied to a quiet strength, a commitment to family, and a private dignity in the face of a fatal illness, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and cancer research.