Kelly Preston and John Travolta's loving marriage in 10 photos

Kelly and John first met on the set of the film The Experts in 1987, a romantic comedy in which they played love interests. The actress clearly manifested their relationship, sharing that she once thought, “I’m going to marry that man” after seeing John’s iconic performance in Grease.

Though Kelly was still married to actor Kevin Gage at the time, the couple’s connection grew after filming, and they eventually began dating. They got engaged in 1991 and married later that year in a fairytale Parisian ceremony (and again legally in the U.S. shortly after).

The movie star couple became red carpet regulars, and frequently turned heads at film festivals and movie premieres with their loved-up poses and unmistakable glamour. Whether promoting their own projects or supporting each other’s work, the two were inseparable. 

Kelly and John are pictured here at the Deauville American Film Festival in France in 1991, which became a honeymoon of sorts for the newlyweds, as they had just tied the knot in Paris. How adorable do they look?

Baby is the word! Kelly and John stepped out for the Grease 20th Annual Class Reunion in 1992, where Kelly was pregnant with the couple’s first son, Jett. The reunion was not only a celebration of John’s iconic film, but a chance for the pair to share the news with his fellow co-stars – and for press and fans alike to snap pictures of Kelly’s baby bump.

With John’s critically acclaimed role in Pulp Fiction (1994) and Kelly’s appearances in hit flicks like Jerry Maguire (1996) alongside Tom Cruise, the film star couple went from strength to strength. John received his second Academy Award nomination and the couple are pictured here at the 14th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon, alongside fellow long-term celebrity couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

Throughout all the fame, the couple remained remarkably grounded, prioritising their close-knit bond above the Hollywood hustle.

Kelly and John remain a masterclass in balancing film careers and family lives – always putting their son first amid their busy schedules. In this heartwarming snap, John and Jett visit Kelly on the set of her film Addicted to Love (1997), where she starred alongside Matthew Broderick and Meg Ryan.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Ella Bleu, in 2000, continuing to pursue their acting careers while keeping their family life front and centre. John went down the thriller route with flicks like Swordfish (2001) and Basic (2003), while Kelly starred in the Amanda Bynes-led comedy What a Girl Wants (2003).

From awards shows to fundraising events, the couple never failed to show up to support each other. Kelly stood proudly by John’s side during the “Moving Image Salutes John Travolta” event in 2004, a night dedicated to celebrating the actor’s impressive film repertoire and lasting impact on Hollywood. 

Their constant couple’s appearances were not only a delight for fans, but a testament to the deep love that defined their relationship both on and off the red carpet. 

As their kids grew up, they began making red carpet appearances alongside their movie star parents, with Kelly and John often posing for adorable photos with them on the red carpet. Their son Jett faced significant health issues throughout his life, suffering with both autism and epilepsy, which culminated in a fatal seizure in 2009. 

The loss was beyond devastating for the family, yet in the midst of their grief, the couple found hope and healing with the birth of their son Benjamin the following year. Kelly told HELLO! At the time: “He’s given the house a renewed spirit and purpose. He’s brought us a new beginning.”

The couple slowed down a bit in the 2010s, remaining involved in the acting industry while simultaneously prioritising family. As devoted parents, they dedicated more time to raising Ella Bleu and Benjamin, nurturing a close-knit home life away from the bustle of Hollywood.

Thankfully, they didn’t leave the spotlight entirely, remaining familiar faces at many star-studded events. The couple showcased their usual sweet dynamic at the premiere of John’s film Savages in 2012.

Kelly Preston’s passing in 2020 came as a shock to many, though she had been quietly battling breast cancer for some time, choosing to keep her illness private. John announced the news on his Instagram, poignantly writing, “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered”.

Hollywood mourned the loss of an incredible actress, mother, and beloved partner to John. In a beautiful anniversary tribute to her husband in 2019, she wrote: “You have given me hope when I have felt lost, loved me patiently and unconditionally... shared the most beautiful highs and at times lows” – a sentiment made all the more emotional after her passing.

Through her courageous fight, John and their children stood by her side. The family have continued to honour her legacy, with Ella Bleu following in the footsteps of her movie star parents and pursuing an acting career. The family’s enduring love remains a testament to Kelly’s unforgettable spirit, and the longtime couple’s unbreakable bond.