Public Speech 'Too Soon' for Kelly Preston

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Aug 30th 2009 10:04AM

Kelly Preston is pulling out of the annual Women's Conference, where she was to break her silence about the death of her teenage son with John Travolta. The actress said in a statement Friday that she is "still deeply in the process of healing, and it's just too soon."

Preston was set to participate in a panel on grief at the annual event hosted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver.

Preston and Travolta, have kept low profiles since their 16-year-old son, Jett, died in January during a family vacation in the Bahamas. The teenager died of a seizure after years of poor health.

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The Jett Travolta Tragedy

Kelly Preston, seen here with her late son Jett and daughter Ella, was set to speak in October about dealing with the loss of her 16-year-old boy, but pulled out of the engagement.

Getty Images

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Tags: kelly preston, KellyPreston

Comments

(133)

Monday 31 August

By kittenjo

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Brainslug...your name sure fits. Maybe your mom should've swallowed instead...JERK!!!!

By Gina23

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My thoughts and prayers are with you.

By Kathy

I don't believe your facts are correct. The Travoltas have hardly left their home since Jett's death is what I've heard. They are so obviously having such a difficult time with this... perhaps they are feeling guilt, who knows? Your post comes off as insensitive, cruel and jealous, but who knows?

By vgkflc

I can see pulling out after this.I've never lost a child but I can understand the pain.

By Becky

You people...if you have never lost a son or daughter it is very hard...I lost my beautiful daughter 5 years ago and and i still feel the pain every day..I hope and pray you never loose a child.YOU CAN LOOSE A MOTHER OD FATHER BUT IT IS SO DIFFERENT TO LOOSE YOUR CHILD...GOD BLESS THE TRAVOLTAS FAMILY, I LOVE YOU..

By FC

My heart goes out to the Travolta's! The majority of the population are nebulous to the bereavement process and actually do not understand that everyone must have their time. I still mourn my fathers death in 1991 and still devasted about my Mom passing in 2006. For me, it is hard to function on a daily basis and I question why life's disasters have to be such a hard learning experience.
As for the insensitive replies - I brush them off since it is apparent that they have never mourned death of a love one - if they have had a loved one die and still reply as they do then I am sure that Satan will enjoy their company in hell!

By rwa325

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And maybe he just had a siezure, sh!thead.

By trish

Of course it's too soon for her to work, when you have a special needs child you are closer and more protective to that child no matter the age. A parent isn't suposed to loose their child first that's not the natural order, and you NEVER get over that sort of lose. I have a 28 yr. old handicaped son and if any thing should happen to him I'd die or kill myself because I wouldn't be able to live a sain life with out him, I lost his twin at 1 1/2 day old and I'm still morning him.

By Suzanne

My heart goes out to the entire Travolta family. Losing a child so suddenly is a blow that they will never fully recover from. I think Ms. Preston is doing the right thing - if she isn't ready to speak out, then she shouldn't.

By Sam

I think "brainslug" is a perfect name for you. It was a wise choice when you were selecting a screen name.

Now, to comment on the intelligent posts on here....I can't imagine the depth of the pain from losing a child, and my heart goes out to those of you on here who have experienced that kind of a loss. I admire Kelly for honoring herself enough to know that this would be too painful for her to attend this event. She's taking care of her own needs which is the right thing to do in the grieving process. And...it is(/u) a process. It takes as long as it takes.

I have a friend who lost his partner, and after 2 years, his co-workers would condemn him for mentioning his partner's name, telling him to "get over it". He contacted me, knowing that I teach healing tools, and he knew I would be a safe friend. I told him to please mention his partner whenever he feels like it, because that's part of the process. He now finds himself able to let go more and more after 3 years, and is beginning to see a light at the end of his tunnel. He's aware of his ability to now be able to let go of mementos, and gradually move forward.

Anyone who ever suggests to someone to "get over it" has never truly lost a love one, and can not understand how deep love and connections can be. It's not the same for everyone, so folks, please learn to accept where each person is in their grieving, and allow them to move through at their own pace.

I wish you peace Kelly and John...this is about as tough as it can get for parents.

By undrgrndgirl

they'll need at LEAST a couple of YEARS to return to any semblance of "normal"...

By lwa378

Get over it?? We lost our daughter 11 years ago - you never 'get over it', you learn to live with it secure in the knowledge you will see them again.
There is no time frame - each person heals in their own way in their own time.

By donna

I am a born-again christian and happy of it. That said, I cannot fathom where you are coming from when you have to comment at another persons tragic loss and make cracks about them. This is NOT the gospel folks! This IS NOT the love of Jesus Christ. You people who have taken this opportunity to try to make yourselves something you are not should go back and examine your own hearts and ask God to show YOU mercy for being so cruel!

By Mazeppa

The Travolta's are $cientologists. They belong to a cult!!! A cult with certain beliefs that, more than likely, helped kill their son. And because of $cientology, they believe that Jett will come back. Any other family that neglected to adequately take care of their child would NOT get this sympathy. Or is it because John and his wife are celebrities that you feel sorry for them?

By nancy

KELLY, Just don't let it come between you and JOHN!! Keep the love for Jett.

By Annie

Take your time Kelly. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for them. Couldn't imagine my life without my child.

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I realize that losing a child is something no parent should have to deal with. BUT, KELLY PRESTON, you have the luxury of never having to work again and not losing one/one millionth of your lifestyle. What about the millions of people who lose a child and have to go back to work in 3 or 5 days so they can keep their families fed, warm and together. It seems a tad bit selfish of you to say you aren't ready yet to speak about grief after 8 months. No one is asking you to be a tower of strength; actually a little vulnerability could help people. Anyway, it just doesn't seem fair to me. Not only do you live richly, you also grieve richly. TOO BAD FOR THE REST OF US.

By Cynthia

Hey brainslug I guess you live up to your name. You need brain surgery to help you have some compassion. God tells us to love all and not judge. They lost a child no mater what their religion. We need to pray for them and while I am praying for them I will pray that God will soften your heart.

By david taylor

Don't 'et the screen name fool you-I'm using my hubbies. Actually, his Dad came in after his caretaker found him, and tried in vain to give him CPR. I have lost ,my 18 year old nephew to a car accident-2 years ago, and my heart still hasn't healed-nor will it ever completely. As for my brother and sister in law, I think they would have ended their own lifes had it not been for their daughter whom is now 12. They are still suffering horrivly. My prayers go out to the Travoltas. They love their children-devote themselves fully to them (my grandparents live near them). They are going through the worst loss in this life- their precious son. They need love, prayer and support-not a bunch of stupid smart wise cracking remarks, that show just how evil your hearts are, and how thoughtless you are. Wonder how you will feel when faced of a tragedy of your own!

By cath

My father died in February from lung cancer. It's too soon for me too

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