Inside Kelly Preston and John Travolta’s Intensely Romantic Love Story

The first time Kelly Preston crossed paths with John Travolta, he charmed her profoundly without needing any airplanes or dance moves that defied the laws of gravity.

In 1987, the actress was preparing for a screen test for a spy comedy titled “The Experts“, when she noticed John Travolta, famous for his roles in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease“, enter the room accompanied by his two dogs.

Absolutely, you’re right about that, as Preston concurred with Andy Cohen, acknowledging that it must have been quite an experience for her when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live in 2018.

John Travolta recalls with equal affection the time he first met Preston, expressing to Us Weekly in 2018, “A beautiful woman walked in – we had an instant connection and chemistry.

According to Travolta, he recounted that she was descending the stairs at the time. He was positioned above her, and he inquired, “May I ask you a question?” To which she responded affirmatively. Then, he posed the query, “What’s it like to be married? Is it a positive experience?

Since 1985, Preston has been known as Mrs. Kevin Gage. Although she openly admitted later that it wasn’t a perfect marriage (“I was not happily married”), she maintained composure during that time.

He recalled her saying, ‘I really enjoy this,’ which made him think, ‘What a delightful idea to be with someone who cherishes marriage.’

In the meantime, Preston recalled thinking something along the lines of, “Oh dear, kill me now.” Or “Oh my goodness,” as she put it, and that was her initial encounter with him.

Following her divorce in 1987, she cohabited with George Clooney for some time and was betrothed to Charlie Sheen, an association that concluded disastrously. (The incident involving a firearm was later described by Preston as a “regrettable accident.”)

But as fate would have it, she and Travolta reunited to make The Experts. 

Back in ’87, a wise pal of mine, who seemed to see the future, had hinted, “You’ll cross paths with a girl, and she’ll capture your heart so deeply that you’ll yearn to spend the rest of your life with her.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I, John Travolta, proud father to Ella Bleu (23) and Benjamin (12), have found myself more actively engaging on social media platforms, eager to share the remarkable milestones of my children. From celebrating Ella’s New York Fashion Week debut to showcasing Ben’s impressive gymnastic achievements, these moments bring immense joy to me and serve as a testament to their extraordinary talents.

Since the loss of my beloved wife in July 2020, I have made it a point never to overlook special days like Ella’s birthday and Mother’s Day. On those poignant occasions, I find solace in honoring her memory, keeping her spirit alive in our hearts and reminding everyone of the incredible woman she was.

He expressed his deep affection and missed you profoundly on your birthday last year, marking nearly three decades since his New Year’s Eve proposal in Gstaad, Switzerland, where he placed a 6-carat diamond ring on Preston’s hand in 1990.

On September 5, 1991, they exchanged wedding vows at Hotel de Crillon in Paris. Two weeks later, they remarried in the United States to ensure the legality of their union.

She shared with Entertainment Tonight before their wedding that they intend to start a family, adding that they are currently preparing themselves for this potential future. This might mean spending the next decade as parents, possibly barefoot and pregnant.

Jett, born on April 13, 1992, is said to have been conceived during a visit as house guests to Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, based on what John Travolta humorously revealed to Premiere magazine in 1996.

In the early 1990s, John Travolta’s movie fame appeared to be diminishing, with the exception of the films “Look Who’s Talking” (1989) and its sequel. However, his resurgence in pop culture relevance came in 1994 with the release of “Pulp Fiction.”

Or:

In the early 1990s, John Travolta’s movie stardom seemed to be fading, except for the films “Look Who’s Talking” (1989) and its sequel. But his comeback in pop culture significance was marked by the release of “Pulp Fiction” in 1994.

After 2000, Preston continued to maintain a steady work schedule, most notably appearing in movies such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Addicted to Love,” “Jack Frost,” “For Love of the Game,” and “What a Girl Wants.” However, she decided to take a step back and prioritize her family following Ella’s birth.

Together with her spouse, they also featured in multiple films. Notably, their collaboration can be seen in “Battlefield Earth”, “Old Dogs” (with Ella as well), and “Gotti”. While these movies may not be the memorable ‘John-and-Kelly’ moments for which they are fondly remembered, they cherished working together whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Preston remarked to TopMob News during the 2018 premiere of Gotti that despite their distinct differences, there were a few shared traits between him and the characters he and John Gotti portrayed – John Gotti and his wife Victoria. He explained, “We’ve been together for a long time, we love each other deeply, we cherish our children – and then you’re playing roles on screen.

And off-screen, keep talking and having fun.

Preston emphasized the importance of communication back in 2018 to Us Weekly, stating, “Communication is key! Keep engaging with each other. Couples might let their relationship fade away, but remember to enjoy life together, go on dates, and create lasting memories.

Throughout the span of their marriage, little had evolved as she expressed to Health magazine back in 2011 that a key factor for their enduring bond was frequent communication: “We ask about what’s desired and needed. We maintain its liveliness, playfulness, and fun. And we avoid triggering each other.

On Watch What Happens Live, when asked about the best aspect of being married to Travolta, Preston smiled and responded, “There are just too many wonderful things.

But she came up with a few.

He kept moving his lips in a playful and joyous manner, often laughing heartily. As she put it, ‘He was always dancing, whether it was with the kids at home, during our family gatherings, or when we went out to dance.’ She clearly enjoyed this lively aspect of his personality.

Preston added, “He’s the nicest guy you’ve ever met, the sweetest.”

And, of course, there was all the flying.

At our home in Florida, which is part of an aviator-friendly gated community, I was peacefully spending time with the kids when all of a sudden I heard a ‘Whoosh!’ and saw airplane lights. My husband then exclaimed, ‘Honey, I’m back!’ to me,” Preston shared with Health magazine.

Travolta shared with Parade, “The time spent on the plane is unique for everyone involved, as it provides us with uninterrupted moments together in a confined space. For us, flight time is incredibly precious and valuable.

Sadly, in January 2009, Jett experienced a seizure during a family vacation in the Bahamas at age 16, and subsequently passed away.

Jett was an exceptionally wonderful son, a joy to any who met him, and our hearts are shattered by his premature departure,” the couple expressed in their statement. “We deeply regret the shortness of the time we were able to spend with him, and will hold those precious moments dear forever.

As a devoted admirer, I chose to honor his legacy by founding the Jett Travolta Foundation, aimed at offering aid and support to children facing various disabilities.

The couple seldom discussed their grief in public settings. Notably, a seasoned Scientologist, similar to her spouse, only occasionally referenced their religion during an interview with Health magazine when discussing her recovery following the tragic loss of their son.

Johnny plays an indispensable role in my life. Kirstie Alley is one of my closest friends,” Preston stated. “My mother, my brother, and the Scientology Center have been my pillars of support. I’m not sure I would have persevered without them by my side. We’ve managed to overcome our challenges and arrive at a much improved place.

2014 saw Travolta opening up to the BBC about a tough period in his life, saying, “I wasn’t sure if I’d survive. My interest in life had waned, so it took a significant effort for me to recover.

He also acknowledged his Scientology community for standing by him consistently, every day of the week. They never took a break, tirelessly exploring various aspects of their practices to help him navigate grief and loss, and ultimately, giving him the strength to face each day with renewed hope.

After that, on November 23, 2010, Preston and Travolta became parents to their son, Benjamin. At the time of his birth, Preston was 48 years old, and they referred to the pregnancy as a “miraculous” event.

Speaking to the magazine ‘Health’, which showcased her and Ben on its cover, Preston emphasized, “For quite some time, we had been attempting (to conceive), and there were periods when we didn’t try, then we resumed trying again. When I discovered I was expecting, I was completely taken aback. I quietly slipped out of bed, returned, and woke Johnny up. We both started crying. It was an incredibly joyful moment.

Apart from feeling thankful, she was delighted to take an active role as a “hands-on mom.” In fact, both she and John cherished their children, Ella and Ben, deeply.

As a devoted parent, I can’t help but express my deep affection for my children. Johnny and I are always showering them with love, as I enthusiastically shared. Ella jokingly commented, “Mom, yuck! Thank goodness we have Ben now so he can share some of the affection!” And Johnny serenades them frequently, often belting out tunes from the likes of Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand.

Over the years, Preston and Travolta frequently found time for romance, aided by the fact that the actor has held a pilot’s license since the 1980s.

Preston shared with People in 2018 that his ideal date involves Johnny whisking me off, hopping on a plane, dining out, and I don’t know our destination yet. Being married to a pilot sure has its perks!

The star named Mischief recognized that not many individuals could relate to her carefree globetrotting lifestyle, yet she was determined to express appreciation for every blessing life had given her.

She often expresses her gratitude for it, and she emphasized to Health that she never grows accustomed to her husband effortlessly maneuvering their plane into the hangar, much like how one would park their car in a garage.

Many individuals perceive aging as a time when they begin to slow down, but Preston argued otherwise. He stated, “I believe that it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. Much of it depends on one’s mindset.

Inquired about what she had learned at age 48 that she hadn’t known at 38, the actress offered this advice: “Don’t worry too much about minor issues. Cherish your children deeply, as if each moment could be your last. Johnny and I encourage our kids to explore their individuality, to make their own decisions, and to enjoy life’s pleasures.

On the day following Mother’s Day 2020, I shared some captivating snapshots of Ella and Ben, expressing my feelings by penning, “My radiant offspring… I adore you from the depths of my soul.

In my last Instagram post, I paid a heartfelt tribute to Travolta on Father’s Day, acknowledging his invaluable role in nurturing the dearest aspects of mine.

On this Father’s Day, my heartfelt wishes go out to the finest dad I’ve ever known – I adore you! And in response, he said, “My love for you all is beyond measure!

For a closer look at their family album, read on…

John Travolta celebrated his 70th birthday in 2024 with his family, including their dog Peanut.

On his special day, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the man who is my constant companion and who illuminates and adorns this world with his presence. Ella Bleu Travolta wrote this as she shared a cherished memory of them together. “I adore you beyond the moon and back.

The actor expressed disbelief, writing that their youngest son, Benjamin Travolta, has grown into a teenager. Today, he’s 13 years old. I love you so much, my dear son!

Ella was just as shocked as anyone to find herself wishing a happy birthday to her teenage baby brother, Benjamin. She penned down, “Happy Birthday, my dearest Benjamin! It seems like only yesterday that you were this small and now you’re 13! I love you!

On Father’s Day, Ella penned a letter to her dad expressing her gratitude: “Thanks for being an outstanding father, and for the love and radiance you share with everyone. I adore you beyond the moon and back.

Ella and her dad rang in 2020 together at a black tie affair. 

On this special day of love, I’m reminiscing the beautiful moments shared by my beloved parents, captured only a few months prior to Kelly’s passing. May everyone be blessed with an abundance of love today, and let us celebrate by indulging in chocolates, even if we might be missing some front teeth! 💗💖❤️

In April 2025, John paid tribute to his and Kelly’s son, Jett Travolta, on what would have been his 33rd birthday: “I miss you terribly! Love you eternally!”

Back in 2009, while on a family vacation in the Bahamas, Jett tragically passed away at just 16 years old after experiencing a seizure at their holiday home.

On the occasion of what would have been Kelly’s 61st birthday in October 2023, Ella posted on Instagram, “Happy Birthday mom! I adore you immensely! You continue to inspire me each and every day.

That would be dad. “It’s privilege to be a father,” the Grease alum said. “I love you my babies.”

Kelly noted that despite the stark contrast between them, there are some shared aspects in the roles of John Gotti and his wife Victoria Gotti. She explained, “We’ve been together for a long time, we share deep affection for one another, and we both cherish our children—all while portraying our characters.

They were all smiles as Benjamin celebrated his 9th birthday.

The family hopped into the Easter spirit. 

And the Travolta family was cuddled up in bed.

In the role of your trusted lifestyle advisor, allow me to share an exciting anecdote: Last year, I attended the grand premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival alongside John, Kelly, and their lovely brood. What a night!

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2025-07-12 14:17