John Travolta received many birthday wishes on Friday — including a very special message from his daughter, Ella Travolta.
The actress, 21, honored John for his 68th birthday with a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram featuring a throwback photo of a young Ella and her father sitting in the grass under a tree.
In the caption, she praised the Pulp Fiction star for the positive impact he has had on her life.
“Happy Birthday to my role model, my best friend, the person who has taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life, kindness,” Ella wrote. “I love you with all my heart, Daddy.”
John later thanked everyone for the birthday wishes in a brief video posted on his own Instagram account.
“Before the night is over, I just want to just — oh gosh, okay — I just wanted to thank you for loving me and caring and wishing me a happy birthday,” the actor said. “I really appreciate it.”
He added in the caption, “Thank you for the birthday wishes!”
John has three children, including Ella, with his late wife Kelly Preston, who died from breast cancer in July 2020. The couple also share sons Ben, 11, and Jett, who died in 2009 at age 16.
Recently, John Travolta has bonded with Ella over her passion for music. In November, Ella revealed that she had new music on the way, and the Grease alum could not contain his excitement.
“I’m so very proud of you Ella, its [sic] amazing! Your thrilled Dad! ❤️❤️❤️,” he wrote in the comment section of his daughter’s post teasing her project.
Last month, she launched her music career with her first single “Dizzy,” which she played for her fans in a video on Instagram. John celebrated the occasion on his account, writing, “I’m so excited for Ella!”
John Travolta is an American actor and singer. He came to public attention during the 1970s, appearing on the television sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Carrie, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Urban Cowboy.
Travolta’s father was a second-generation Italian American and his mother was Irish American; he grew up in an Irish-American neighborhood and has said that his household was predominantly Irish in culture. His family was Roman Catholic. Travolta married actress Kelly Preston in 1991.