EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
Kelly Preston’s daughter Ella is paying tribute to her “courageous, strong, beautiful and loving” mother who passed on Sunday following a two-year battle with breast cancer.
A family representative spoke out about the diagnosis and treatment in a statement, “Choosing to keep her fight private, she had been undergoing medical treatment for some time, supported by her closest family and friends,” the representative shared with PEOPLE.
“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.”
Preston is survived by her husband John Travolta and their two children: daughter Ella, 20, and son Benjamin, 9. The couple’s son Jett died at age 16 in January 2009.
Preston’s daughter Ella wrote a thoughtful message about her mother on Instagram. She began, “I have never met anyone as courageous, strong, beautiful and loving as you. Anyone who is lucky enough to have known you or to have ever been in your presence will agree that you have a glow and a light that never ceases to shine and that makes anyone around you feel instantly happy.”
“Thank you for being there for me no matter what. Thank you 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 always. I love you so much mama,” she concluded.