On Sunday, John Travolta posted a heartfelt family photo to his Instagram, featuring his two children, Ella Bleu and Ben. The 71-year-old actor’s 15-year-old son visibly towers over him in the image, while his 25-year-old daughter smiles warmly, resting her head on his shoulder. The candid photo, taken at night on a city street, captures a close and loving moment among the family.
In his caption to his 5.6 million followers, Travolta referred to the image as his “belated Christmas card 2025,” wishing everyone well. The post quickly gathered over 108,000 likes, with Ella expressing her affection through three red heart emojis in the comments.
Remembering Kelly Preston and Family Bonds
Travolta shares his children with his late wife, Kelly Preston, who passed away from breast cancer in July 2020 at the age of 57. Their family also included son Jett, who tragically died in 2009 at 16 due to a seizure. Despite the heartbreak, Travolta continues to honor Preston’s memory through frequent social media tributes.
Last October, on what would have been Preston’s 63rd birthday, Travolta posted a song he recorded in her memory along with a photo, writing,
“I recorded this song for Kelly and I want to share it with you all on her birthday. Happy birthday Kelly, we love you. -John, Ella and Ben.”
Ella responded with three red heart emojis.
On Mother’s Day the previous year, Travolta shared an old family photo dedicated to Preston, captioning it,
“Happy Mother’s Day Kelly! You did a great job!! We love you!”
A Close Father-Daughter Relationship and Upcoming Projects
Ella Bleu and her father have a notably strong bond, often expressing support for one another publicly. Before this latest post, Travolta celebrated the New Year by sharing a video of them watching fireworks together, wishing everyone a happy start to 2026.
The father and daughter are also set to collaborate professionally in the upcoming action thriller Black Tides. The film, directed by Renny Harlin and written by Chris Sparling and Ángel Agudo, revolves around “rogue orcas” and follows Bill Pierce, portrayed by Travolta, who seeks to reconnect with his daughter Rebecca, played by Ella, and her son Sebastian after their sailboat is attacked off the southern coast of Spain. This life-threatening event sparks a desperate fight for survival on open waters, according to the film’s synopsis.
Travolta and Ella previously appeared together in the films The Poison Rose (2019) and Old Dogs (2009), reinforcing their ongoing professional and personal connection.
Family Legacy and Looking Ahead
This recent family photo not only highlights how Ben has grown but also underscores the enduring closeness within the Travolta family amid moments of loss and remembrance. John Travolta’s willingness to share intimate glimpses of his personal life with his followers helps keep the memory of Kelly Preston alive while celebrating the bonds he has with his surviving children.
As the family prepares for upcoming projects like Black Tides and continues to support one another publicly and privately, fans are given a rare and hopeful view of their evolving lives and legacies.
“My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025. Hope all is going well.” ?John Travolta, Actor
“I recorded this song for Kelly and I want to share it with you all on her birthday. Happy birthday Kelly, we love you. -John, Ella and Ben.” ?John Travolta, Actor
