Let’s talk about John Travolta for a moment, shall we? The man behind iconic roles in movies like Grease and Pulp Fiction has had an extraordinary career, but his real happiness lies in the family he cherishes so deeply. In a heartfelt interview with Good Morning America, the 63-year-old opened up about the profound impact his family has had on him, especially after the devastating loss of his eldest son, Jett. John shared how his youngest son, Benjamin, has been instrumental in helping his family heal and reconnect after such a monumental tragedy. “Having Benjamin in our lives has been nothing short of miraculous,” John expressed, speaking fondly of his six-year-old son, who was born in November 2012. Benjamin, he explained, has been a source of light and love that has helped glue the Travolta family back together.
For John and his wife, Kelly Preston, life changed forever on that fateful day in January 2009 when their beloved son Jett passed away at the age of 16. The tragedy unfolded during a family vacation in the Bahamas when Jett unexpectedly suffered a seizure. Jett’s presence had been a cornerstone of their family, and losing him was a heart-wrenching experience. Back in 1994, John spoke candidly to People about the joy and awe he felt when Jett was born. “I can’t imagine life without Jett,” he said at the time. Recalling the moments after Jett’s birth, John shared how he held his newborn son for hours, unwilling to let him go even for routine medical tests. “I went a little nutsy,” John joked, but it was clear that Jett’s arrival was nothing short of magical for him and Kelly.
Ella, John, Jett, and Kelly. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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Expanding the Family
Eight years after welcoming Jett into their lives, John and Kelly expanded their family again with the birth of their daughter, Ella Bleu, in April 2003. Ella, now 17, brought a new dimension of joy to the Travolta household. After Jett’s passing, the couple surprised everyone by announcing that they were expecting another child, Benjamin, when Kelly was in her late 40s. “We had been trying for quite some time, and then there was a period when we weren’t, and then we started trying again,” Kelly revealed. “When I found out I was pregnant, I was absolutely floored. I snuck out of bed and then came back to wake Johnny up. We both started crying. It was such a beautiful and wonderful moment.”
The Role of Faith in Healing
John has often credited both his family and his faith for helping him navigate the darkest days of his life. He’s spoken openly about how Scientology played a pivotal role in his recovery after Jett’s passing. “I don’t know if I would have made it without the support of the church,” John confessed in 2015. “Honestly, I’ve helped so many people through hard times—loss of children, loved ones, physical illnesses. Through all the tough situations I’ve faced, I’ve relied on the teachings and techniques of Scientology to support and help them. And it’s always worked.”
In February 2014, John admitted that losing Jett was the most difficult experience he’s ever endured. “The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it,” he revealed to BBC News. “Life lost its interest for me, and it took a lot to get me back to a place where I could function. I will forever be grateful to Scientology for supporting me tirelessly for two years. They were there for me every single day, working through different techniques to help me cope with grief and loss. Eventually, I found a way to get through each day.”
