Kelly Preston to Speak About Son's Death

Hollywood actress Kelly Preston is to speak out publicly for the first time about the death of her son.

Jett Travolta, Preston's son with husband and actor John Travolta, died suddenly of a seizure at the age of 16 while vacationing with his family in the Bahamas in January.

The Travoltas have so far grieved in private but in October Preston, 46, has agreed to speak about her loss at the California Governor's Conference for Women.

"If she can empower one other woman who feels like [she] can't get out of bed, or get through the day, whatever the loss, it'll be worthwhile sharing her story," the event's host Maria Shriver told People magazine.

Preston will be joined on a panel titled 'Grief & Resilience' by Elizabeth Edwards and actress Susan St. James – two other prominent women who have lost sons.

Preston gave the invite a lot of thought before making a commitment to speak, Shriver explained before adding: "She has been thinking about this for a couple of months.

"I asked her to speak and she knew about the conference and decided if she was only going to speak once, it would be here. She wants the conversation to be about more than just her."

All three panelists will be talking about the different stages of grief and how to continue on in life with a loss.

The loss of a child is particularly heartbreaking. Maybe by speaking she will be able to help others who are going through a similar ordeal.

We admire her courage.

—Nicola Pittam, Splash News