John Travolta is remembering his beloved son, Jett, with a tender tribute that has touched hearts around the world. In honor of what would have been Jett’s 33rd birthday, the Pulp Fiction star shared a never-before-seen photo of the two embracing during Jett’s childhood.
In the photo, Travolta, 71, is seen gently cradling his son, who lovingly reaches up to touch his father's ears—a moment full of intimacy and connection. The caption simply read, "Happy birthday, Jett – I miss you so much! Love you forever!"
Travolta, who shared Jett with his late wife, actress Kelly Preston, received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities. Rita Wilson commented, "May his memory be eternal ❤."
Travolta’s daughter, Ella Bleu, also paid tribute to her late brother, posting a heartfelt photo to her Instagram Story. The image showed their mother kissing a young Jett on the cheek. "Happy Birthday, Jetty. I love you so much ❤," she wrote.
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Jett tragically passed away in January 2009 at the age of 16 while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas. He had long struggled with seizures and was later diagnosed with autism. His death, Travolta once said, was "the worst thing that’s ever happened in [his] life."
During a 2014 panel, the Saturday Night Fever star opened up about the depth of his grief, admitting, “The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it. Life was no longer interesting to me, so it took a lot to get me better.”
In Jett’s memory, Travolta founded the Jett Travolta Foundation, which supports children with special needs and their families. The organization stands as a lasting tribute to Jett’s life and legacy, and a symbol of Travolta’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Heartbreak struck again in 2020 when Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, died at age 57 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The couple had been married for nearly 29 years. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” Travolta shared in a statement.
Now the father of 14-year-old Benjamin, Travolta continues to celebrate Jett’s memory with yearly tributes and acts of kindness. In a world where grief often lingers quietly, Travolta’s openness about love, loss, and healing reminds others that enduring pain can also lead to deeper compassion and connection.
