In 2009, tragedy hit Grease actor John Travolta's life. The 71-year-old lost his oldest son, Jett, when the boy was only 16 years old. He's not the only public figure who has had to say goodbye to their child.
Discover our latest podcast
He recently paid tribute to his son, on what would've been Jett's 33rd birthday.
John Travolta's son passed away aged 16
John Travolta made a name for himself thanks to his roles in landmark movies such as Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction, but he also took the time to be at home with his wife and kids. The actor married Kelly Preston in 1991, and the couple welcomed three children together: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
John Travolta has had to deal with grief in his life, like so many others. In 2020, he lost his 57-year-old wife of thirty years to breast cancer. The actor paid tribute to his late wife, writing on Instagram:
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.
A few years before losing his wife, John Travolta already suffered a tragic loss, that of his 16-year-old son Jett. In 2009, while the family was on holiday in the Bahamas, Jett was found unresponsive in his hotel bathroom. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind his heartbroken parents and two siblings. According to his autopsy report, Jett Travolta died of a seizure.
Jett Travolta reportedly suffered from a history of seizures, and he had an autism diagnosis. Speaking about his son's death, John Travolta said:
It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life. The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it.
The actor pays tribute to his late son on his 33rd birthday
On Monday 14 April 2025, John Travolta took to his Instagram account to pay tribute to his late son, on the day he would've turned 33. The actor shared a heartfelt picture of him holding his young son, along with the following caption:
Happy birthday Jett – I miss you so much! Love you forever!
John Travolta's daughter Ella Bleu, who was born in 2000, reacted to the post with three red hearts. The young woman was only nine years old when her big brother passed away.
The 71-year-old actor previously opened up about the loss of his son to Entertainment Tonight, saying:
We had a very full life, my son and I, 16 years. And we did travel the world and he saw every place by the time he, you know, he was that age. But you know, you plan on a life that's a lot longer for your child and you always intend to go first. So, that's the difference is that, regardless of the full life we did live together, you know, you wanted a full life for him.
Read more:
Warwick Davis gives emotional tribute to wife as he receives BAFTA Fellowship Award
Manchester United legend Denis Law laid to rest: Fans and football icons pay tribute
Bruce Willis' daughter Rumer shares heartbreaking tribute to her father 'Really missing my papa today'
Sources used:
Hello!: John Travolta laments son Jett's tragic loss at 16 with never-before-seen photo: 'I miss you so much'
Instagram: @johntravolta
Parade: All About John Travolta's Kids, Including Ella Bleu, Benjamin and His Late Son, Jett
