It has been ten years sinceJohn TravoltaandKelly Prestonexperienced every parent’s nightmare when theirson Jett diedunexpectedly at age 16.
Just a few days before what would have been Jett’s 27th birthday, Preston paid tribute to her beloved son and celebrated other children whoalso have autismin an emotional Instagram post.
“To my sweet love, Jett… you are in our hearts forever,” Prestonlovingly wrote in the caption.
“I send love to all of the beautiful autistic children and the wonderful people who love them. May we all shine and grant love and respect to children with special needs💕” she added, along with hashtag acknowledging April is Autism Awareness Month.
Kelly Preston/Instagram
Jettdied in January 2009 while on vacation with his familyin the Bahamas. The teen had hit his head on a bathtub after suffering a seizure at his family’s vacation home at the Old Bahama Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island.
Prior to his death, his famous parents chose to keep his disorder private, however, they have since spoken out about his autism and other medical conditions.
In 2003, Preston revealed that Jett had Kawasaki Syndrome — a condition typically associated with inflammation of the arteries — when he was 2 years old.
Preston, who also said Jett suffered from asthma, blamed household cleaners, fertilizers and pesticides for causing her son’s autism disorder and lobbied for more detailed labeling on chemical products.
James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock
Throughout Jett’s life, his parents always spoke highly of their first-born, referring to him as “the most wonderful son two parents could ever ask for.”
In 1994, Travolta told PEOPLE how much he loved fatherhood. “I can’t imagine what life would be like without Jett,” he heartbreakingly said, 15 years before his son’s untimely death.
“After he was born and cleaned up, I held him for hours while Kelly slept,” the actor explained. “When they came to take him away for various tests, I said, ‘No, you can’t see him today. You’ll have to do it another day.’ I went a little nutsy.”
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Nearly two years after the tragedy, the couple welcomed another little boyBenjamin, who helped Preston, Travolta, and their daughterElla Bleu, move forward and find joy again.
“Certainly having little Ben has been a beautiful kind of glue for us to rebond after tremendous loss,” Travolta, 65, said in an interview withGood Morning America.
“He’s given the house a renewed spirit and purpose,” the actoradded to PEOPLEin 2011.
source: people.com
