On Sunday (July 12), actress Kelly Preston passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer. She was 57 years old.
Kelly’s husband, actor John Travolta, was the one who shared the sad news.
“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,” John wrote in a post on social media. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”
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Social media soon lit up with tributes to Kelly from celebrities and fans alike. Tributes also came from members of the country music community, including Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney.
Shania and John were costars in the 2019 film Trading Paint, which is how she and Kelly got to know each other. As for Kenny, he and Kelly were close friends for years.
I’m unbelievably saddened by the news that Kelly Preston has passed and at such a young age. A beautiful and kind person I was fortunate enough to have known. My heart breaks for John and the kids 💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/kDophIwa6y
— Shania Twain 💎💎💎 (@ShaniaTwain) July 13, 2020
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Another country star who paid tribute to Kelly was Toby Keith.
Toby and Kelly were actually former costars, as both of them appeared in the 2006 film Broken Bridges. Kelly played Toby’s love interest in the film, while Toby played a washed up country singer named Bo Price.
When Bo returns to his hometown, he reunites with Kelly’s character, Angela, who he dated when he was younger. Then, he meets their 16-year-old daughter, Dixie (played by Lindsey Haun), for the first time. By the end of the film, Bo and Dixie end up forming a bond over their shared love of music.
Burt Reynolds and Willie Nelson also appeared in the film.
When Toby learned that Kelly had passed away, he dug up an old photo of him, Kelly, and Willie on the set of Broken Bridges. He spoke about his time spent working with Kelly, saying, “You were our daily sunshine.”
“What a sweet soul. Rest well girl. My prayers today will be for your family,” Toby ended his tribute.
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You can watch Toby and Kelly interact by catching the trailer for Broken Bridges below.
We too, join Toby in praying for Kelly’s family and loved ones during this sad time. It’s clear she will be missed.