Olivia Newton-John pays tribute to 'sweet friend' Kelly Preston

Olivia Newton-John has paid tribute to her friend Kelly Preston, who died on Sunday after losing her two-year battle with breast cancer.

Olivia, who starred with Kelly's husband John Travolta in Grease, wrote: "Kelly was a radiant, warm and gentle spirit - a loving, devoted wife, mother and sweet friend.

"My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben. No words can express my sorrow for her family. Kelly’s light shines on in her beautiful children."

Olivia has also fought her own battles with cancer, but earlier this year she told The Project her health was "fantastic".

"I'm doing really well," she said, "Thank you for your love and support, I really appreciate it."

People Magazine confirmed the news of Kelly's passing with a statement from a family representative, which read: "On the morning of July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, adored wife and mother, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer."

"Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends," they said.

"She was a bright, beautiful and loving soul who cared deeply about others and who brought life to everything she touched. Her family asks for your understanding of their need for privacy at this time."

Kelly is survived by the children she shares with John, Ella, 20, and Benjamin, nine. The couple's son Jett passed away at the age of 16 in 2009.

John took to Instagram to share a tribute to his wife also thanking the doctors and nurses who had helped throughout her battle.

“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. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many,” he wrote.

“Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us for a while.

“But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal.”

Ella shared the same photo as her dad with her own tribute to her mother. She wrote: "I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you.

"Anyone who is lucky enough to have known you or to have ever been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never ceases to shine and that makes anyone around you feel instantly happy. Thank you for being there for me no matter what.

"Thank you for your love. Thank you for your help and thank you for making this world a better place. You have made life so beautiful and I know you will continue to do so always. I love you so much mama."

Kelly’s final Instagram post was a family selfie in celebration of Father's Day in June.

“Happy Father’s Day to the best one I know, we love you,” she wrote, sharing a photo of son Ben and daughter Ella, as well as a black-and-white portrait of John and Jett.

John and Kelly has also shared loving tributes in April on what would have been Jett’s 28th birthday.

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