Actress Kelly Preston has passed away after a battle with breast cancer that lasted two years. Her husband, famous actor John Travolta, shared the news with his fans on social media on July 13, saying that the 57-year-old fought a brave battle with her loved ones by her side.

"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 in an Instagram post.

"My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly's love and life will always be remembered."

Travolta, 66, added that he will be taking some time away to be there for their children, Ella and Benjamin. The married couple was also the parents of Jett Travolta, who passed away in January 2009 at the age of 16 from a seizure while the family was in the Bahamas for a Christmas holiday.

"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. All my love, JT," His father wrote regarding his death.

The couple's daughter, Ella, said she had "never met anyone as courageous" as her mother, and she paid her emotional tribute today saying "I love you so much mama".

A spokesman for the Travolta family recently stated,

"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.

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."

Travolta paid tribute to the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in which Preston was being treated during her illness. But the family hasn't revealed whether she had been in the hospital or at her Florida home when she died.

The former model and actress, Preston, starred in Jerry Maguire and met Travolta on the set of the 1988 film The Experts and had been married to the Grease star for almost 28 years.

Kelly Preston's last post on Instagram was to celebrate Father's Day in June with her husband and their kids, Ella, 20, and Benjamin, 9.

Preston was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1962, and went to study at the University of Southern California.

Born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, she changed her name to Kelly Preston before securing her first movie role in the 1985 romcom Mischief, after which she appeared in another teen comedy, Secret Admirer.

After being linked to many top names in Hollywood, including George Clooney, and after a marriage with Kevin Gage that ended in 1987, as well as an engagement with Charlie Sheen in 1990, Preston married Travolta in 1991, first at a ceremony officiated by a French Scientology minister and later at an official ceremony.

In the next few years, the actress starred in films such as SpaceCamp, For Love of the Game, and Twins with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.

She had several other movie titles on her resume — especially in the 1980s and 1990s — including Jerry Maguire and Run.

Preston's last film is the soon-to-be-released comedy, Off the Rails, by director Jules Williamson, which is currently in post-production.

Celebrities and friends were quick to respond with their thoughts of love and sympathy.

Selma Blair, for example, wrote "Sending so much love to you and your family in this heartbreaking moment," wrote Mariah Carey. "I am holding you all in love. Your wife, your partner in life, was a darling soul. Always at the ready with comfort and grace. What a team you were. She will be so missed."

Actress Chloe Bennett said. "Kelly Preston was enormously kind and unbelievably lovely. Can't believe this. My thoughts are with her sweet Ella and the rest of her incredible family. RIP."

Paying her own tribute, actress Holly Marie Combs Ryan wrote, "This is so sad. My thoughts are with her family and friends. She was and still is a beautiful light."

Maria Shriver also tweeted, "Shocked by this sad news. Kelly was such a bright loving soul, a talented actress, and a loving mom and wife. My heart breaks for her family who have already known such sadness and grief. Join me in sending them love and strength. #RIP #KellyPreston"

"This is terribly sad news. A lovely young woman at such an early age. So sorry, John, for your tragic loss. #RipKellyPreston" James Woods tweeted.

Josh Gad also tweeted, "I'm in absolute shock. What a beautiful and amazing actress and person. So sad to hear of her passing at such a young age. My heart goes out to John Travolta and the entire family. What a loss. 🙏 RIP #KellyPreston"

"This is so sad. I spent an afternoon with Kelly and a few other actresses at a Dolce&Gabbana fashion show and she was open and hilarious and lovely. It was a great afternoon. God bless John Travolta and their kids. #RipKellyPreston" wrote Patricia Heaton.

Frances Fisher, extending her condolences, said "This beautiful ray of light is with Jett now Holding each other tight. John, sending love and comfort as you hold Ella and Benjamin. You have an army of friends and angels. #RIPKellyPreston 💗"