John Travolta and daughter look downcast as they step out ahead of late wife's birthday

Pulp Fiction actor John Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, died aged 57 in 2020. She would have celebrated her 61st birthday this month

John Travolta and his daughter Ella looked downcast as they stepped out in New York before Kelly Preston's birthday this weekend.

The Pulp Fiction star's wife died at home in Florida in 2020 after spending two years battling breast cancer in secret. Kelly's younger half-brother, Chris Palzis, 55, confirmed at the time that the family were by her side when she passed away. The movie star was 57 at the time of her death and left behind two children, Ella, 24, and son Benjamin, 13. The couple's son Jett died aged 16 in January 2009.

Ahead of what would have been her 61st birthday, John and Ella were seen leaving their New York City hotel. John rocked a simple black shirt and blue jeans. He kept warm in a black coat and looked sombre as he stepped out the building. Ella followed closely behind in black leggings and a black cropped hoodie.

She carried luggage out of the hotel with her after spending the last few days there as Hurricane Milton devastated Florida. John owns a lavish property in Ocala, mid-Florida which was right in the path of the category three hurricane. John, 69, built the Jumbolair Aviation Estates residence back in the 90s.

After Kelly's death, her husband John paid tribute in a heart-wrenching statement. The actor 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." Ella also paid tribute to her mother after her tragic passing.

She said: "I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. Anyone who is lucky enough to have known you or to have ever been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never ceases to shine and that makes anyone around you feel instantly happy.

"Thank you for being there for me no matter what.Thank you for your love. Thank you for your help and thank you for making this world a better place. You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always. I love you so much mama."

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