Key Takeaways:
- John Travolta and Kelly Preston became parents to son Jett in 1992 and daughter Ella in 2000.
- Their son Jett sadly died at 16 in 2009.
- In 2010, the couple welcomed their third child, son Benjamin.
When it comes to family, John Travolta truly shines as a dad, a title he wears with pride. With his late wife, actress Kelly Preston, John had three kids. Sadly, Preston lost her battle with breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 57.
The couple’s parental journey kicked off in April 1992, when they welcomed their firstborn, son Jett. John couldn’t hide his adoration for fatherhood. He once told PEOPLE, “After Jett was born, I held him for hours while Kelly rested.”
Fast forward a few years, in April 2000, and they welcomed their second child, daughter Ella Bleu. Unlike Jett, who was born in a hospital, Ella made her debut at home in Los Angeles, a moment Kelly called truly beautiful.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Travolta family in January 2009 when Jett passed away while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas. The tragedy left an irreversible mark on John, who often pays tribute to Jett by sharing touching throwback photos and memories.
Three years after this heartbreak, in 2010, they welcomed Benjamin into their lives. John described him as a little “miracle” who brought new energy and joy into their home.
Now, let’s dive deep into the lives of John Travolta’s three children.
The Late Jett Travolta
April 13, 1992, marked the arrival of Jett, the couple’s first child. Right from the start, John was all in when it came to fatherhood, revealing to PEOPLE in 1994, “I can’t imagine life without Jett.” He reminisced about holding Jett for hours while Kelly rested post-birth.
Tragically, Jett’s life was cut short at the age of 16 during a family holiday. He suffered a seizure, fell, and tragically struck his head in their vacation home bathroom.
In an emotional interview after the tragic event, Kelly shared that Jett had autism and struggled with seizures since childhood, even experiencing Kawasaki Syndrome. Fast forward to 2022, John’s heartfelt tribute for what would have been Jett’s 30th birthday read, “My dearest Jetty, I miss you more than words can say. I think about you every day. Happy Birthday. Love, your Dad.”
Ella Bleu Travolta, Now 25
The Travolta family welcomed their second child, daughter Ella Bleu, on April 3, 2000. Following in her parent’s footsteps, Ella has a passion for performing. Proud dad John often gushes about her achievements.
Before landing leading roles in films, she appeared in some of her dad’s movies, including Old Dogs and The Poison Rose. Recently, she starred in the lead role of Get Lost, a twist on Alice in Wonderland.
Adding a feather to her cap, Ella launched her music career with the release of her inaugural EP, Colors of Love, in 2024.
John praised Ella, saying, “She’s gracious, generous, and absolutely gorgeous. I don’t know how she turned out this way, but I couldn’t be prouder.” In her leisure time, Ella loves baking, recently making a famous coconut bundt cake by Tom Cruise that earned rave reviews from her dad, who called it “delicious”!
Meet Benjamin Travolta, Age 15
Finally, the Travolta tie began again with the birth of Benjamin on November 23, 2010.
<? John and Benjamin share an incredible bond. In an emotional conversation in August 2021 following Kelly's passing, Ben conveyed his fears of losing his dad. John reassured him, sharing honest insights about life's uncertainties.
Reflecting on life, he told Ben, “Your brother Jett left at 16. Your mother left at 57. It’s tough, but everyone’s time is uncertain. So, let’s focus on living life to the fullest.” In November 2025, John celebrated Ben’s 15th birthday on Instagram with a heartfelt message, proclaiming, “Happy Birthday my dear Ben! You’re growing up so fast! I love you!”
