For John Travolta, being a father transcends mere title; it’s, as he describes, life’s most profound “privilege.” The acclaimed actor embraced fatherhood with his late wife, the beloved actress Kelly Preston, and together they built a family blessed with three children. This piece delves into the lives of John Travolta’s kids – Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin – exploring their journeys, passions, and the enduring legacy of their parents.
Jett Travolta: Remembering a Cherished Son
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Jett Travolta with parents John Travolta and Kelly Preston on set in 1997.
John and Kelly’s journey into parenthood began with the arrival of their first son, Jett Travolta, born on April 13, 1992. John’s immediate connection with Jett was palpable. He shared with PEOPLE in 1994 the immeasurable joy Jett brought into his life, stating he couldn’t envision life without him. He fondly recalled the initial hours after Jett’s birth, holding him close while Kelly rested, a testament to the instant and deep paternal love he felt.
Tragedy struck the Travolta family in January 2009 when Jett passed away at the young age of 16 during a family vacation in the Bahamas. A seizure led to an accidental head injury, a devastating loss that resonated deeply within the family and with fans worldwide. In the years since, John Travolta has kept Jett’s memory alive, often sharing heartfelt tributes on social media, particularly on Jett’s birthday. These poignant messages and throwback photos illustrate a father’s enduring love and the indelible mark Jett left on his life.
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The Travolta family portrait featuring John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Jett, and Ella Bleu during happier times.
Kelly Preston openly discussed Jett’s autism and history of seizures following his death, aiming to raise awareness and understanding. She also mentioned Jett’s experience with Kawasaki Syndrome in his early years. John’s tributes to Jett are not just yearly rituals but ongoing expressions of love for a son deeply missed, ensuring his legacy as a cherished member of the Travolta family endures.
Ella Bleu Travolta: A Rising Star in Acting and Music
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Ella Bleu Travolta with her parents John Travolta and Kelly Preston at a public event.
Born on April 3, 2000, Ella Bleu Travolta is John and Kelly’s second child and daughter. Ella has inherited her parents’ artistic talents and is carving her own path in the entertainment industry. John has consistently expressed immense pride in Ella’s achievements, frequently highlighting her burgeoning career.
Ella’s acting journey includes early roles in films alongside her father, such as “Old Dogs” (2009) and “The Poison Rose” (2019). Her career took a significant step forward when she landed the lead role in “Get Lost” (2021), a contemporary adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland,” showcasing her potential as a leading actress. Beyond acting, Ella has also ventured into music, releasing her debut single “Dizzy” in January. John enthusiastically supported her musical debut, appearing in a celebratory video, reinforcing his role as a supportive father.
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John Travolta and daughter Ella Bleu sharing a heartwarming moment.
John describes Ella as “her own person,” emphasizing her grace, poise, and generosity. He admires her inherent qualities, attributing her admirable character to her own being rather than his parenting. Ella’s recent foray into fashion, marked by her New York Fashion Week debut walking for Karl Lagerfeld, further underscores her multifaceted talents and growing presence in the public eye. Even in her personal time, enjoying baking and even recreating Tom Cruise’s famous coconut bundt cake, Ella demonstrates a range of interests and passions, supported and celebrated by her father. Her debut EP, “Colors of Love,” released after encouragement from her father, highlights the strong bond and mutual support within the Travolta family, particularly in nurturing Ella’s artistic aspirations.
Benjamin Travolta: Embracing Parkour and Family Bonds
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Benjamin Travolta and John Travolta pictured with their family cat, Crystal.
Benjamin Travolta, the youngest of John Travolta’s kids, was born on November 23, 2010. Benjamin arrived after the loss of Jett and, as John mentioned, brought a “renewed spirit and purpose” to their home. Unlike his sister, Benjamin has not shown interest in acting or music but has found his passion in parkour, a physically demanding and visually impressive discipline.
John proudly shares Benjamin’s parkour skills on social media, posting videos of his training and expressing his admiration for his son’s abilities. These clips showcase Benjamin’s agility and athleticism, swinging across monkey bars and performing wall touchbacks, highlighting his dedication to his chosen hobby.
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A family photo of John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and Benjamin Travolta from Instagram.
The bond between John and Benjamin is notably strong. John has openly discussed a poignant conversation he had with Benjamin following Kelly Preston’s passing in 2020. Benjamin expressed his fear of losing his father too, prompting John to have an honest discussion about life’s uncertainties. He shared with Benjamin the unpredictable nature of life, referencing both Jett’s and Kelly’s untimely deaths, and emphasized living each day to the fullest.
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John Travolta and son Benjamin enjoying quality time together on vacation.
Their close relationship is further evidenced by their shared experiences, such as a family trip to Japan documented in an Instagram Reel, showing them exploring forests and interacting with wildlife. More recently, a Christmas ski trip with Ella highlighted the family’s continued closeness and resilience, navigating life’s joys and sorrows together.
Conclusion
John Travolta’s journey as a father is marked by profound love, resilience, and unwavering support for his children. While the family has faced unimaginable loss, the enduring bonds between John and his kids, Ella Bleu and Benjamin, stand as a testament to the strength of family and the lasting impact of love and shared memories. From Jett’s cherished memory to Ella’s rising stardom and Benjamin’s athletic pursuits, John Travolta’s kids are each forging their unique paths, carrying forward the legacy of their parents with grace and determination.
