John Travolta and Kelly Preston's Son Dies

by Rob Barrett (Subscribe to Rob Barrett's posts) Jan 3rd 2009 9:00AM

Categories: Celeb Kids, Celeb Parenting, In The News

John travolta Kelly Preston Jett Travolta

Parents should never have to bury their children. It's supposed to be the other way around. So we always grieve a little harder when a mom and dad have to plan their son's or daughter's funeral. Our hearts and our prayers go out to John Travolta and Kelly Preston on the death of their 16-year-old son, Jett.

The family had been vacationing in the Bahamas over the New Year when Jett, according to some reports, suffered a seizure and hit his head in the bathroom. Attempts to revive him failed. Ms. Preston had earlier shared the news that Jett suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome, a little known illness that involves the swelling of arteries which can lead to seizures.

As a father who held his daughter while she died, I know first hand how devastating this time can be. When there's no target for blame, sometimes anger can be directed inward. 80% of all marriages fail when a child dies and depression can linger for years.

Let's keep the whole family in mind, including Jett's sister, Ella, and the extended family as well.

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Comments (16)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Audrey Silverstein 1-03-2009 @ 12:36PM

As parents, who have shared your experience, I can only say that your first paragraph sums up succinctly what they are feeling and going through. Your comments are from the heart since you have gone through it as well. We as a family, lost our daughter, survived and stayed together. You have to make a choice, either go completely over the deep end or have the strength to go on for the sake of others involved. Our daughter was 12 when her older sister died. We still talk about how different our lives would have been if she was still with us and in a way I feel she still is. It is healthy for the family to talk about who you have lost and how you feel. I can only hope that Kelly, John and their daughter will survive to go on together as a family. Need help, just ask. Be strong!

Tima 1-05-2009 @ 1:10PM

When I heard the news about John and Kelly's son my heart broke for them. I too am a part of the infamous club of parents that have loss a child. Both your comments are true and hit very close to home. My marriage survived this very hard time and if it wasn't for my husband I would have gone to a very dark place. The one thing that they should think about is that men and women grieve differently. I couldn't understand why my husband acted a certain way after our son died, but I learned to respect it. I wanted to just shut down and hide and he didn't. I hope for their well being and of their daughters that they lean on each other to get through this very hard time. Take care of themselves and not worry about what others think they should do. I pray that they find peace of heart, but I know that they have a long road ahead before they get there.

Janice 1-05-2009 @ 5:26PM

I lost my daughter 201 days ago. I have cried every single day. I have a wonderful supporting husband and family. I worry about my one son. He is extremely sad and he was trying to be such a rock. He does not live near me and I worry. I am trying to go on but it is too hard. I have feelings like so many that have gone thru this. I miss her so much.

Maria 1-04-2009 @ 12:53PM

When I read the sad news of Kelly Preston & John travolta's son, I was so devastated & saddened by it...Just want to extend my deepest condolescenses..I am in state of shock,,still am in denial that this beautiful, wonderful, happy family is going through such devastating sadness..THEY DON'T DESERVE THAT..May God give this wonderful family the strength to deal with the lost of their son..I will keep them in my prayers & very close to my heart

debra 1-05-2009 @ 8:37AM

I am completely heart broken for John and his family. I honestly feel like John is a part of my family since I have grown up watching him on tv and movies. John if we could, we would bring your Jett home to you, but you have to know that he will now watch over you and your family. He will always remain close, and when you pass over to the next life, Jett will be waiting for you with open arms.

God Bless you, Kelly, and little Ella. The world is praying for all of you asking God to give you the strength and the will to move forward. You are an amazing father and husband. With the strength that Jett will give you, you will move forward.

We love you and we cry with you.

anthony solis 1-05-2009 @ 2:20PM

dear mr and mrs travolta
my wife and i are so sorry for your loss, a child is hard to lose regardless of what age, but at 16 , so young ,it is terrible

i am a retired chief of police from stone harbor new jersey who is now paralyzed from a severe stroke, my wife married ime in a nursing home 6 years ago knowing of my stroke, sghe(eleanor had lost her son adam , five hours after birth, but he is in our hearts all the time and we visit his grave site every year putting christmas wreaths upon his grave and saying prayers.

in closing again we are saddened, but will keep your son in our prayers always

sincerely anthony and eleanor solis
314 south railroad avenue
rio grande, new jersey 08242
email antne003@verizon.net phone 609-886-4162

Joyce 1-05-2009 @ 3:04PM

As a parent who has survived the death of a child, I wish to extend to the Travolta family my heartfelt condolences. I have discovered that I am a very strong person. I survived my daughters death at the hands of a drunk driver. She was 23 years old just coming into her own. This took place in 1994.
Unfortunately the pain does not go away. What has kept me going is a saying I found & have never forgotten. "Love is a memory that never fades." Jett will always be in the hearts of his family. I know my Jennifer is in mine.
God Bless.
Joyce F. Ocala, Florida

Charlotte R. Wolfe 1-07-2009 @ 3:21PM

Dear Kelly, John & Family;

I am truly sorry for you loss.

Charlotte

lollypopkid1954 1-06-2009 @ 7:44AM

I am praying for both your son and ypur family. May God grant you all peace and cmfort at this time.

Kay Bullard 1-06-2009 @ 1:55PM

I am so sorry you lost your son, and your daughter lost her brother.

All I can say is to keep him close to your hearts, and may God bless you.

At 16, that is way too young to pass on.

May God Bless

Diane Sipe 1-07-2009 @ 12:43PM

Dear John, Kelly, & family:

I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I work with students that have seizures. You will be in my prayers. His was a beautiful young man. I wish their was something I could say to help you through this rough time. God Bless you and your family!!!

Diane Sipe
1109 W. Airy St.
Norristown, Pa. 19401
bsipe316@comcast.net

Sandy Barber 1-07-2009 @ 4:35PM

Dear John,Kelly & Ella,

I am so sadden by the news of your son Jett. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

God Bless,
Sandy Tampa, FL

Cathy Shalloe 1-08-2009 @ 12:28PM

Dear John Kelly and Ella, It's clear you loved Jet, I've seen pictures and can feel the love and pride emanate from them.Your grace is astounding You are very special people and Jet was blessed to have time with you as you were with him.Sincerely, Cathy.

Jill 1-10-2009 @ 12:42PM

I have a sixteen year old soon too. And I remember our boys growing up toghether.

My heart grieves for your loss. I can't imagine loosing my boy.

YOur feeling deeply, means you have loved deeply. Would you have it any other way?

You can share my son as I share your loss.

Kind Regards,
Jill Holmquist

Beth 1-10-2009 @ 12:38PM

Dear John, Kelly, and Ella,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Having lost my 17 year old son five years ago, I can completely understand what you are all going through. It is a 'surreal' experience that no one can ever imagine. We need time to grieve, cry, feel and just simply disengage for a while. I personally found myself looking at the world through cheesecloth for a while before I was able to pick up the pieces. I, too, as you, had a younger son and our choice is to fold or to show our other children that life must go on and there are inexplainable situations that we will encounter through life along with the joys.

I will be honest and tell you that the tough times are ahead, the everyday life of recognizing his presence is gone, but knowing and feeling his spirit within. People want to help but do not always know what to do or say. You find yourself helping them along in the process of acceptance, oddly enough.

I know that your faith is strong.
My faith has become stronger, contrary to many people's beliefs. I know that He has helped get us through this, as He will you as well. May G-d keep you strong and may you all find comfort in one another.

From a mother who knows. . . . . .
Beth Hochheiser
bhochheiser@woboe.org