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Kelly Preston Dead of Breast Cancer at 57

The actress was known for movies like Jerry Maguire and For Love of the Game

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Amanda Bell

Actress Kelly Preston has died at the age of 57 after a two-year battle with breast cancer, her husband John Travolta announced Sunday night. 

In a statement posted to his social media accounts, Travolta wrote, "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.  My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly's love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don't hear from us for a while.  But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal."

Preston was best known for her work in films, including her performances as Marnie Mason in 1988's Twins, Avery Bishop in 1996's Jerry Maguire, and Jane Aubrey in 1999's For Love of the Game. Preston, who was born in Hawaii with the given name Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, is also known for her roles in movies like SpaceCamp, Nothing to Lose, Holy Man, Jack Frost, Sky High, and The Cat in the Hat. 

The actress is survived by Travolta and their two surviving children Ella Bleu and Benjamin. The couple's first son, Jett, passed away in 2009. 

View this post on Instagram

It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.  My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us for a while.  But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal. All my love, JT

A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta) on

Tributes to Preston have been pouring in on social media. 

Maria Shriver wrote of the news, "Shocked by this sad news. Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength."

Actor Daniel Dae Kim, who appeared alongside Preston in For Love of the Game, wrote, "I was lucky enough to work with her on one of my very first films, For Love of The Game. We were shooting on cold days in Colorado, but she couldn't have been warmer or kinder to a young, nervous actor trying to make good. I'll never forget that. Thank you Kelly."

See more social media tributes to Kelly Preston below.