What Kelly Preston's Relationship Was Like With Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John and Kelly Preston will forever be bonded thanks to John Travolta. To recall, Newton-John and Travolta starred together in the 1978 hit "Grease," playing the roles of Sandy and Danny, respectively. According to Box Office Mojo, the flick raked in over $396 million worldwide and is one of the most popular musical films ever made. The film made many people wish Travolta and Newton-John would date or get married, but that just wasn't the case.
"We were both with other people when we were filming and I think, respectfully, it just didn't happen," Newton-John said on the "No Filter" podcast (via Closer Weekly). "I think it was good, because I think it kept the tension there and the chemistry. It might have been a real disaster had we decided to date or we had a falling out or something." Travolta ultimately went on to marry Kelly Preston in 1991. The two had three children — Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
The couple remained married up until Preston's death in 2020. "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," Travolta wrote on Instagram. "She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many." He also made sure to thank all of Preston's doctors and nurses. Given the strong relationships Travolta had with both women, it's fair to wonder how Preston and Newton-John got along.
Olivia Newton-John has nothing but love for Kelly Preston
The death of Kelly Preston left many people reeling, especially Olivia Newton-John. Shortly after Preston's death, Newton-John issued a statement to People, solidifying the close bond that she and Preston shared. "Kelly was a radiant, warm and gentle spirit — a loving, devoted wife, mother and sweet friend. My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben," she told the outlet at the time, adding that her "light shines on in her beautiful children."
Three months later, the star told People how Preston's death "strengthened" her "resolve" to launch the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, adding, "I've lost way too many friends to cancer, family members and friends." "Having lived with it, this is my dream. This is my passion to see a world beyond cancer."
Newton-John also revealed to Fox News that she and Preston had worked together to raise awareness about pesticides and she again took the opportunity to comment on the friendship. "Kelly was a lovely, beautiful woman, both inside and out," Newton-John shared. She added, "She [Preston] had a very sweet, gentle spirit. And we shared care for the environment." It's clear Newton-John cared for Preston in more ways than one.
Kelly Preston's legacy lives on
It's safe to say that even though Kelly Preston is gone, she will never be forgotten. While there's no doubt that Olivia Newton-John is helping to keep her memory alive through her foundation, John Travolta has also done a great job at remembering his wife on special occasions, like Mother's Day. "Dearest Kelly, you brought into my life three of the most wonderful children I have ever known. Thank you. We love and miss you. Happy Mother's Day," he wrote in May 2021.
Now, Preston's legacy lives in her two children, Ella and Benjamin (son Jett died in 2009). Ella announced that she would be releasing an EP, and Travolta made sure to post the news on his Instagram account to make sure fans knew how proud he was of his baby girl. "In case you haven't seen or heard the preview of my daughter Ella's first single, "Dizzy", here it is," he wrote on Instagram. We're sure Preston would be so proud knowing that her talented daughter is making a name for herself and sharing her gifts with the world.
And speaking of Travolta's kids, Newton-John still maintains a wholesome relationship with the bunch. On New Year's Eve 2021, Travolta took to Instagram to share a sweet snapshot of him alongside Ella and Ben. Newton-John was quick to chime in, writing, "Ella you look stunning and classy ! The dress is gorgeous Wishing you and Ben and Dad a Healthy happy New Year."