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Travoltas Say Goodbye to Jett

Son remembered at private memorial

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 7:20 AM CST

(Newser) – John Travolta and his family said goodbye to Jett at a private service yesterday in Florida, the Ocala Star-Banner reports. About 100 guests attended, including Lisa Marie Presley, Garth Brooks, and Cal Ripken Jr, says one source. A female minister from the Church of Scientology spoke, and both Travolta and wife Kelly Preston kissed a picture of Jett after it was over.

Security was tight, but a cadre of media and supporters held a sort of vigil outside the gates of the private community of Jumbolair Estates. One supporter recalled receiving a phone call from John Travolta when the actor met her son at a store. Another, a 13-year-old boy, drove up from Tampa with his mother to bring flowers.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (3)]

Media photograph guests arriving for the memorial for Jett Travolta outside the entrance to the family's neighborhood in Ocala, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

A florist delivery worker carries a wreath of flowers at the entrance to Jumbolair Aviation Estates, where actor John Travolta and his family have a home Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 near Ocala, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

Maureen O'Conner places flowers by the entrance to the Jumbolair Aviation Estates where actor John Travolta and his family live, Jan. 6, 2009 near Ocala, Fla., while Roberta Arnes pays her respects. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

In this image released by Rogers & Cowan public relations, Jett Travolta, the son of actor John Travolta, is shown in an undated family photo. (AP Photo/Rogers & Cowan)

In this image released by Rogers & Cowan public relations, John Travolta poses with his daughter Ella Bleu, wife Kelly Preston, and son Jett in an undated family photo. (AP Photo/Rogers & Cowan)

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Jett Travolta's family mourns and prepares for memorial service at their home in Ocala, Fla. (clipsyndicate.com)

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It hurts for a family to lose a son who is so young and I know how my family would feel if I died. It’s sad. - 13-year-old Bobby Weiand

John and Kelly are amazing parents. We have watched each other’s children grow and cannot imagine the loss of Jett. He was a bright and beautiful young man, and we are honored to have known him. - Forest Whitaker

Something told me to come here to support him and his family. This is a spiritual thing. When we sing our songs, it doesn’t come from us, it comes from the creator—a higher power. - Gabriel Berryhill, of the Muskogee Creek Nation

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Travoltas Say Goodbye to Jett