Tom Cruise Would Not be Happy: John Travolta has Reportedly Distanced Himself From Scientology After Wife Kelly Preston’s Passing
American actor John Travolta, who has been loyal to the Church of Scientology, has reportedly distanced himself from it following the death of his wife, Kelly Preston. Travolta’s absence at last year’s high-profile Scientology gala, hosted by Tom Cruise, has sparked rumors about him losing commitment to the faith.
Cruise was already a believer in Scientology ever since he was introduced to it by his ex-wife Mimi Rogers. He believes that Scientology has helped him overcome dyslexia. His close association with the church and his personal friendship with the head of the church have made him one of Scientology’s most famous public faces.
Travolta’s association with the church has been less over the past decade, especially after the sad losses he has faced. Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, passed away in July 2020 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Why John Travolta Distanced Himself from Scientology
Kelly Preston was widely recognized for her roles in movies like Jerry Maguire and For Love of the Game. Her demise has left a deep impact on John Travolta. Before that, Travolta’s 16-year-old son, Jett, also passed away in 2009. Till then, he never lost faith in the Church of Scientology as Travolta told Us Weekly,
“The church never left our sides for two years, I don’t know if I would have made it through without their support.”
However, after the demise of Preston in 2020, Travolta said that he would be taking some time off and would like to spend time with his family. In an Instagram post, he wrote,
“I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so 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.”
However, his disappearance from the Scientology event headed by Tom Cruise left several members wondering. According to Radar Online, a source told National Enquirer,
“Tom Cruise made a grand entrance by helicopter, but John — despite being a pilot with his own plane — opted not to come, leaving attendees puzzled.”
One of Travolta’s friends said he had pulled back further following the deaths of Preston and his mutual friend, actress Kirstie Alley, who died of colon cancer in 2022. The friend said to the outlet,
“His level of involvement has waned since the passing of his wife, Kelly Preston, and close friend Kristie Alley. Despite their devout following of Scientology, it tragically didn’t save them.”
While there has been no official statement by Travolta or the Church of Scientology, one might consider the actor’s withdrawal to be because of the grief he faced. He recently posted an Instagram photo of the family with a “Happy Mother’s Day” wish.
Rumored Romantic Connection of John Travolta
While there are speculations about Travolta and Scientology, on the other hand, rumors of him dating have sparked recently. Sources told Closer Weekly that Travolta’s kids are open about their father going into a new relationship.
“The most surprising people on the John and Kristin romance bandwagon are John’s kids, Ella and Ben. While no one could replace their mom, they think Kristin is great and that their dad should get back out there and start having fun.”
Davis herself is a single mother who is raising two adopted kids, while Travolta also has also two kids now. According to Closer Weekly, John Travolta and Kristin Davis got closer in the sets of Cash Out. Davis has been praising Travolta, and his reaction has been likewise.
Nevertheless, whether John Travolta will recommit himself to Scientology or try some new path, will be based on his personal growth and family.