It’s been over 15 years since John Travolta lost his son Jett, but some bonds don’t break; not even with time, and definitely not with tragedy or being in the spotlight. On what would’ve been Jett’s 33rd birthday, Travolta took to Instagram with a post that hit everyone (fans included) right in the feels.
The photo Travolta posted was full of pure love featuring a younger version of himself holding his son close, both of them frozen in a sweet, quiet moment. And the caption? It was short, powerful, and straight from the heart. See it all in the post below!
A Family That Keeps Showing Up
Per US Weekly, Jett was Travolta’s firstborn with the late Kelly Preston. He passed away at just 16 after suffering a seizure while on vacation in the Bahamas. Jett had autism and a history of seizures; something Travolta and Preston were always open about, especially when it came to raising awareness.
This week’s tribute wasn’t a solo moment, either. Ella Bleu Travolta, John’s daughter, shared her own quiet nod to her brother on her Instagram Story: a childhood snapshot of Jett and Kelly, reminding everyone that grief and love often walk hand-in-hand.
@ella.bleuFans also commented on Travolta’s post expressing birthday wishes for Jett and all the best for Travolta. Many even told their own stories of love and loss such as this person who said, “We lost our first born 4 years ago so we share the pain of our loss with you.” Then fellow celebs dropped in with support, like Rita Wilson who commented a sweet “May his memory be eternal.” And it just proves once again that when Travolta opens up, the love pours in.
Turning Loss Into Legacy
Travolta’s never hidden from the hard stuff. Since Jett’s passing, he’s been active in honoring his memory, including through the Jett Travolta Foundation, an organization supporting children with special needs. It’s one of those things that reminds you: some Hollywood hearts are as big as their résumés.
And let’s be real; between raising his two other kids, navigating his own grief, and staying present for fans, Travolta’s kept it real and resilient.
So while April 13 might be bittersweet, Travolta’s post was anything but somber. It was filled with love, memory, and that sense of quiet strength we’ve come to expect from a dad who’s never stopped showing up.
Love you forever, indeed.