(CNN) - Actress Kelly Preston died of breast cancer, her husband, actor and entertainer John Travolta reported in an Instagram post on Sunday. According to Travolta, Preston had been fighting breast cancer for two years.
Travolta said Preston “fought valiantly with the love and support of many. My family and I will always be grateful to your MD Anderson Cancer Center doctors and nurses, all the medical centers you have helped, as well as your many friends and loved ones who have been by your side. Kelly's love and life will always be remembered. "
Exclusively for PEOPLE, a family representative said Preston passed away Sunday morning. "By choosing to keep his fight private, he had been receiving medical treatment for some time, with the support of his family and closest friends," the representative told PEOPLE.
Preston and Travolta's daughter, Ella Travolta, posted a tribute to her mother on Instagram. “I have never met anyone as brave, strong, beautiful and loving as you. Anyone lucky enough to have met you or been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never stops shining and that makes anyone around you instantly happy. Thanks for being there for me no matter what. Thanks 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 forever. I love you so much mom. ❤️ ”.
John Travolta ended his post by saying, “I will take time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so please forgive me in advance if you have not heard from us for a while. But keep in mind that I will feel your love in the coming weeks and months as we heal. All my love, JT ”.
Kelly Preston was 57 years old. In addition to their daughter Ella, the couple also has a son, Benjamin, born in 2010. Their son Jett Travolta died in 2009, while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas.
John Travolta