For John Travolta, a celebrated figure in Hollywood, fatherhood stands as life’s most cherished “privilege.” The actor’s journey into parenthood, shared with his late wife, actress Kelly Preston, brought three children into his life. This article delves into the lives of John Travolta’s sons, Jett and Benjamin, and briefly touches upon his daughter Ella Bleu, painting a portrait of family, legacy, and love in the face of both joy and profound loss.
Jett Travolta: A Life Remembered
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John Travolta and Kelly Preston with their son Jett Travolta on set in 1997.
The first Son Of John Travolta, Jett Travolta, arrived on April 13, 1992, marking the beginning of Travolta’s profound experience as a father. The actor openly expressed his immediate and overwhelming love for his newborn son. In a 1994 interview with PEOPLE, Travolta shared the depth of his paternal affection, stating, “I can’t imagine what life would be like without Jett.” He recounted the intense bond formed in Jett’s first moments, holding him for hours while Kelly rested, a testament to his instant devotion to his son.
Tragically, Jett’s life was cut short at the age of 16. In January 2009, while the Travolta family was vacationing in the Bahamas, Jett passed away following a seizure at their holiday home. This devastating loss deeply impacted John Travolta and his family.
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The Travolta family portrait featuring John Travolta, Kelly Preston, son Jett, and daughter Ella.
Kelly Preston revealed in a 2012 interview that Jett was autistic and had suffered from seizures since a young age, also experiencing Kawasaki Syndrome as a child. Despite the challenges, Jett was clearly a beloved son, and John Travolta has consistently honored his memory. Each year, Travolta pays tribute to Jett through heartfelt social media posts, often sharing throwback photos and messages expressing his enduring love and remembrance. On what would have been Jett’s 30th birthday in 2022, John shared a touching message: “My dearest Jetty, I miss you more than words can say. I think about you everyday. Happy Birthday.” These tributes highlight the everlasting bond between John Travolta and his son, Jett.
Benjamin Travolta: Carrying on the Legacy
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Actor John Travolta pictured with his son Benjamin and their pet cat.
Years after the loss of Jett, John Travolta and Kelly Preston welcomed their second son, Benjamin Travolta, on November 23, 2010. Benjamin’s arrival was described by John as a “miracle” and brought a “renewed spirit and purpose” to their family home. Born after the profound grief of losing Jett, Benjamin has become a source of immense joy and comfort for Travolta.
Unlike his father and older sister Ella, Benjamin has not pursued acting or music. Instead, he has found a passion for parkour, showcasing impressive athleticism and skill. John Travolta proudly shares videos of Benjamin’s parkour тренировки on social media, expressing his admiration and support for his son’s unique interests. In one Instagram post featuring Benjamin’s parkour skills, John conveyed his pride, “So proud of my Ben!”
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John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and their son Benjamin Travolta pose together.
The bond between John and Benjamin is notably strong. Travolta has openly shared a poignant conversation he had with Benjamin after Kelly Preston’s passing in 2020. Benjamin expressed his fear of losing his father too, revealing the emotional impact of loss within the family. John responded with a heartfelt and honest explanation about life’s uncertainties, emphasizing cherishing the present. This conversation underscores the deep connection and open communication between John Travolta and his son Benjamin.
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John Travolta and son Benjamin enjoying a vacation together.
Travels and shared experiences further solidify their relationship. John has shared glimpses into their family life, including a trip to Japan where he and Benjamin explored forests and fed monkeys, and Christmas ski trips with Benjamin and Ella. These moments highlight the Travolta family’s resilience and their commitment to creating joyful memories together.
Ella Bleu Travolta: A Sister’s Bond
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John Travolta with his wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu Travolta.
While the focus is on John Travolta’s sons, it’s important to acknowledge his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta. Born on April 3, 2000, Ella has followed in her parents’ artistic footsteps, pursuing careers in both acting and music. John Travolta has been vocal about his pride in Ella’s accomplishments, celebrating her roles in films and her debut in the music industry. Ella’s presence adds another dimension to the Travolta family narrative, showcasing the diverse talents and paths of John Travolta’s children.
Conclusion
John Travolta’s journey as a father is marked by profound love, immense pride, and heartbreaking loss. His sons, Jett and Benjamin, represent different chapters in his life, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his family story. Jett’s memory is kept alive through loving tributes, while Benjamin embodies a renewed spirit and the continuation of family bonds. Together with his daughter Ella, John Travolta’s children are a testament to the enduring power of family and the lasting legacy of love.