Travoltas Thank Florida Hometown for Support Through "Painful Situation"

John Travolta, Kelly Preston and their daughter Ella, 8, have published a thank you letter addressed to "The People of Ocala" in the Ocala Star-Banner for standing by them as they deal with an "impossibly painful situation" - the death of 16-year-old son Jett Travolta

Through family attorney Michael McDermott, they write:

"The enormous amount of love, support and condolence we have received from this community has been most humbling. Comforting words, thoughts and prayers of Ocala's citizens have made an impossibly painful situation, a little less painful.

"The actions of Ocala's community leaders, its law enforcement professionals, our neighbors at Jumbolair and its surrounding communities have offered us the dignity to grieve the loss of our son and Ella's brother in peace. For this we will always be grateful.

"From the people who drove hours to drop off cards and flowers at our doorstep, to the service providers who made Jett's ceremony so beautiful, thank you. Every person who we have encountered has offered to do anything in their power to help us, but add that they feel powerless to do so. We want all of you to know that you have already helped us. By sharing our grief, you lessen our burden. For all of the people who have kept Jett in their prayers, know that those prayers have given us inspiration and strength.

"What we have experienced in Ocala transcends neighborly civility. We have been treated as family. Although we lost a good part of the joy and radiance of our family, your embracing us as a member of your own has helped us to contend with our loss.

"In parting, we want all of you to cherish your loved ones and your friends like there was no tomorrow, to live your lives to the fullest by continuing to help one another, and to be true to yourselves. – Love John, Kelly and Ella."

On Thursday, Travolta Preston held a memorial service for Jett. Lisa Marie Presley, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were among the celeb guests.

Jett died of a seizure disorder Jan. 2 while vacationing with his family in Grand Bahamas.
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