John Travolta has faced immense personal challenges throughout his life, but his resilience and dedication as a father have remained unwavering. Known for his iconic roles, like Danny Zuko in Grease, Travolta is also admired for his deep devotion to his family. Despite the heartache, he continues to move forward, particularly for the sake of his two children, Ella and Benjamin.

In July 2020, Travolta’s wife of 28 years, actress Kelly Preston, passed away at 57 after a private two-year battle with breast cancer. Since then, Travolta has focused on supporting their children through this painful chapter of their lives.

The Travolta family had already endured a devastating loss in 2009 when their 16-year-old son, Jett, tragically died following a seizure while on vacation in the Bahamas. Reflecting on Jett’s death, Travolta once said, “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life. I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”

When Kelly died, a family representative shared the news, explaining that she had chosen to keep her illness private. They described Kelly as “a bright, beautiful, and loving soul” who brought joy to everyone around her.

Kelly’s co-star in her final film Off the Rails, Sally Phillips, revealed that none of the cast or crew knew about Kelly’s illness during filming. This was a decision many actors, like Chadwick Boseman and Helen McCrory, have made to protect their privacy and continue working without concerns about insurance or future opportunities.

Following Kelly’s death, Travolta expressed his gratitude to the medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center and all the friends and loved ones who supported her. He took time to thank everyone who reached out during such a difficult period.

For Travolta’s first birthday without Kelly, his children were by his side, offering comfort. His daughter, Ella, who is following in her parents’ footsteps with a budding career in film, posted a heartfelt tribute, calling him “the most incredible man” and thanking him for being the best dad and friend.

On what would have been Kelly’s 59th birthday, both John and Ella posted tributes to her on Instagram. Travolta shared a photo with the caption, “Happy Birthday Kelly. We miss and love you very much,” while Ella expressed how much she missed her mother.

Though friends have tried to encourage Travolta to begin dating again, sources say he is still focused on grieving and being the best father he can be. An insider shared, “John is flattered but isn’t interested in dating right now. He’s torn between opening himself up to love again and staying focused on his kids.”

During an appearance on Kevin Hart’s show Hart to Heart, Travolta shared a touching conversation he had with his son, Benjamin, who expressed fear that his father might also pass away. Travolta reassured him, explaining the uncertainties of life and encouraging him to embrace it as it comes.

Travolta has spoken about how grief is a deeply personal experience. In an interview with Esquire Mexico, he said, “I’ve learned that mourning is personal, and your own journey will heal you. The best thing you can do for someone who is grieving is to let them go through it without imposing your own experience.”

Despite the hardships, Travolta remains incredibly proud of his children. Ella, now an actress herself, has described her father as the most important person in her life and her role model. Travolta frequently expresses his love for Ella and Benjamin, and they continue to honor their father’s strength and love in return.

Travolta’s journey as a parent, through unimaginable loss, is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to his family. As he continues to navigate life without Kelly, his focus remains on his children and the love they share.