It’s easy to scroll past Mother’s Day posts without thinking too much. But Ella Travolta’s message to her late mom, Kelly Preston, made many pause and feel something more. Her post wasn’t just a tradition. It was a reminder of the fact that love doesn’t disappear even after loss.
Five years ago, Ella lost her mom to breast cancer. On Sunday, May 11, she shared a set of photos and heartfelt words that captured the strength, beauty, and warmth she still sees in her mom.
Ella Travolta’s tribute to mom Kelly Preston was simple but powerful
Ella began her tribute with a message that was both sweet and powerful: “Happy Mother’s Day to the strongest, most beautiful, loving, funny, smart woman I know. I love you.”
She paired it with a photo of her mom, followed by another of the two of them together, and ended with a baby picture of her being held in Preston’s arms. Her dad, John Travolta, also joined in, posting an old family photo and writing, “Happy Mother’s Day Kelly! You did a great job!! We love you!” Kelly and John were married for nearly 30 years and had three children together—Ella, Benjamin, and Jett, who passed away in 2009 at age 16.
Ella shared that she knows her mom is proud of her
Last year, Ella released a song, “Little Bird,” inspired by Kelly. She said working on the track helped her feel close to her mom again. “I definitely felt her watching over me,” she shared. “I knew that she was really proud of this whole process and of me.”
It’s not the first time Ella has spoken about her mom’s influence. After Kelly’s death in 2020, she was described as someone who lit up any room and made everyone around her feel better. “You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always,” she wrote at the time. In October, she posted a throwback photo to mark what would have been her mom’s 62nd birthday, writing, “Happy Birthday, mama. I love you.”