John Travolta recently gave fans a glimpse into his life as a devoted single father by sharing heartfelt family moments with his children, Ella and Benjamin. Through a tender family Christmas card posted in early February, the actor revealed the close bond he maintains with his children, paying tribute to the lasting love he continues to nurture following the loss of his wife Kelly Preston.
Heartfelt Christmas Memories with Ella and Benjamin
On February 8, John Travolta posted a belated family Christmas card featuring himself with his son Benjamin and daughter Ella. In the photo, John wraps an arm around his smiling son while Ella leans in, sharing a warm group embrace. The image captures the closeness the Grease star cherishes with his two children, who are 15 and 25 years old, respectively.
“My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025,”
John captioned the Instagram post.
Hope all is going well.
— John Travolta, Actor
Ella showed her affection by commenting with three red heart emojis beneath the picture, signaling the family’s enduring closeness despite past hardships.
Remembering Son Jett’s Life and Legacy
John and the late Kelly Preston also shared another son, Jett, who tragically passed away at age 16 in 2009 after suffering a seizure during a family vacation. Over the years, both parents honored Jett’s memory publicly, marking his birthday and sharing personal reflections on his life.
“Happy birthday Jett – I miss you so much,”
John wrote last April alongside a throwback photo.
Love you forever!
— John Travolta, Actor
Kelly, who died in 2020 after battling breast cancer, frequently expressed her love for Jett and used social media as a platform to raise awareness about autism, as their son was diagnosed on the spectrum. One of her final posts in April 2020 recognized National Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting Jett’s joyful spirit and her deep affection for those with special needs.
“I have a special place in my heart for those with autism and special needs,”
Kelly reflected in an Instagram post.
Sending love to some of my favorite people in the world. My son Jetty was one of the most playful and wonderful souls you’ve ever met. Love to all of you with autism and special needs around the world.
— Kelly Preston, Actress
John has also spoken openly about cherishing the memories made with Jett during his brief life, emphasizing the fullness of their time together despite its unexpected end.
“We had a very full life, my son and I, 16 years,”
John said in a 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
We did travel the world and he saw every place by the time he was that age. You plan on a life that’s a lot longer for your child, and you always intend to go first.
“Regardless of that full life we did live together, you wanted a full life for him.”
— John Travolta, Actor
Celebrating Milestones and Special Occasions
Beyond solemn remembrances, John Travolta and his family continue to celebrate joyful milestones. In 2024, John marked his 70th birthday surrounded by family, including their beloved dog Peanut, highlighting the ongoing closeness between father and children.
Ella Bleu Travolta also publicly expressed her affection for her father during his birthday, captioning a nostalgic photo with words of deep admiration.
“Happy Birthday to the man who is always by my side and who is always bringing light and beauty into this world,”
Ella wrote in 2024.
I love you to the moon and back.
— Ella Bleu Travolta, Actress and Model
Similarly, in 2023, John expressed amazement at how quickly his son Benjamin was growing up, marking the transition to his teenage years with pride and affection.
“I can’t believe my baby boy is now a teenager,”
John said that year.
Ben turns 13 today. I love you my son!
— John Travolta, Actor
Ella joined in the celebration on social media, sharing her love for her younger brother as he grew older.
Happy Birthday my sweetest Benjamin, she wrote, adding that it felt like only yesterday that he was a little boy.
“It feels like yesterday you were this young and now you’re 13!! I love you!”
Expressions of Love and Father-Daughter Bond
Father’s Day 2023 saw Ella paying tribute to John with a heartfelt message.
“Thank you for being the best father and for all of the love and light you bring to the world. I love you to the moon and back.”
— Ella Bleu Travolta
John himself has described fatherhood as his most meaningful role, underscoring the privilege he feels to be a dad to his children.
“It’s privilege to be a father,”
the Grease star shared during Father’s Day 2022.
I love you my babies.
— John Travolta, Actor
Family Celebrations and Cherished Traditions
The Travolta family has been seen enjoying various significant events together, including black-tie celebrations and festive holidays. Ella and John welcomed the new year together in 2020 with elegant flair, while the family embraced the Easter spirit in 2022.
Ella also commemorated Valentine’s Day in 2020 with a nostalgic caption paired with a photo of her parents, capturing the warmth of their family bond just months before Kelly’s passing.
“I hope it was filled with lots of love…here’s to eating chocolate with all of your front teeth missing!”
— Ella Bleu Travolta
As the family navigates life after Kelly’s death, her legacy remains a strong influence, especially during meaningful dates like her birthday. In October 2023, Ella honored her mother’s memory publicly.
“Happy Birthday mama, I love you so much! Thank you for inspiring me every day.”
— Ella Bleu Travolta
Family Unity Shared on Special Appearances
John, Kelly, and their children have often showcased their close ties during public appearances. At the 2018 Cannes Film Festival premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story, the family attended together, illustrating the strength of their familial bond.
Kelly once reflected on their life together and the roles they played, not only professionally but as a family unit.
“Although they’re completely different from us, there’s a few similarities,”
she said, referring to their roles as John Gotti and Victoria Gotti.
We’ve been together for a long time, we love each other, we adore our kids—and then you’re playing characters.
— Kelly Preston, Actress
Enduring Legacy of Love Amid Loss
Despite the challenges and grief, John Travolta’s posts and the family’s shared moments demonstrate a powerful message of resilience and devotion. Through celebrations of birthday milestones, holidays, and remembrances of their late son Jett and Kelly Preston, Travolta’s social media offers a window into a family deeply connected by love and memory.
His ongoing dedication to raising their children with affection and honoring the past underlines the significance of fatherhood in his life, shaping a hopeful vision for the future of his family.
