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Showbiz Tonight
The Travolta Family Tragedy; The Obamas Move to Washington; Oprah`s Amazing Surprise to a School
Aired January 05, 2009 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the devastating Travolta tragedy. Tonight, the late-breaking developments on the heartbreaking sudden death of John Travolta`s 16-year-old son. What really happened when John desperately tried to save his son`s life? The never heard before dramatic details of Jett`s last hours alive, brand-new developments about the autopsy, Jett`s medical issues and how they may have contributed to his death and the revealing interview when John told CNN`s Larry King about Jett`s diagnosis.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN TRAVOLTA, ACTOR: He got what is rarely a thing to deal with - but it`s called Kawasaki`s syndrome. It`s very easily handled if you identify it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Tonight how are John Travolta and his family coping with their unimaginable loss. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s complete coverage of the Travolta tragedy as TVs most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.
(MUSIC)
Hi there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you from Hollywood. And tonight, the Travolta tragedy. It is impossible to imagine what one of the world`s most beloved movie stars and his family are going through right now. Travolta today remained in seclusion in the Bahamas with his family.
An autopsy was completed on his 16-year-old son Jett this afternoon, and the reported cause of death is a seizure. For the very first time, Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, released a statement about the sudden death of their son. And their words were powerful and very emotional.
And for the first time we are hearing about the dramatic last-minute attempt by Travolta to save his son`s life. Tonight SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coast-to-coast and in the Bahamas with the latest developments on this tragic story making news right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome in Paris, John.
TRAVOLTA: Thank you.
ANDERSON (voice over): It`s hard to believe the tragedy that awaits the happy family we see here. This video from "X-17 Online" taken just a few short weeks ago shows John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston in Paris with their children, 16-year-old Jett and 8-year-old Ella.
ALICIA QUARLES, ASSOCIATED PRESS: The Travolta family are definitely Hollywood royalty. Everyone loves them.
ANDERSON: Now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you the sudden death of young Jett has left Travolta and his family grief-stricken as officials in the Bahamas scramble to find answers in this heartbreaking tragedy.
QUARLES: It`s very mysterious. There`s just so many unanswered questions at this point.
ANDERSON: It all happened here in the picturesque Bahamas where Travolta, his family and friends, were ringing in the New Year.
JUDY FORTIN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: There apparently was a seizure involved on Friday, sometime at the Bahamas in this family vacation home. Apparently, the boy fell. He hit his head, and was found unconscious.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there is now a dispute brewing between Travolta`s family and the police in the Bahamas about the timeline.
QUARLES: The Bahamian police basically made it seem like Jett bumped his head, fell and that nobody checked on him until the following morning. Now, John Travolta`s lawyer is saying that`s not true. He had nannies around him constantly and that they found him shortly after his fall.
ANDERSON: A paramedic tells "Radar" magazine that Travolta and Preston insisted on traveling in the ambulance where they spent that frantic ride begging their son to hang on.
QUARLES: Upon arriving to the hospital. Jett was pronounced dead. And obviously, John and Kelly and Ella are just devastated.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you, in his short life, young Jett had a long history of health problems.
QUARLES: According to the Travolta family attorney, Jett had a history of seizures and that`s why they had two nannies around him constantly. That`s why they had bells outside of doors so that they could hear when he left the room because they were concerned about his health.
FORTIN: We heard from both parents he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease when he was a toddler. It`s a rare condition. It causes inflammation in the blood vessels. But I`ve got to tell you, less than one percent of the roughly 4,000 cases each year die from the disease. Seizures are rare.
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": Nearly lost your son?
TRAVOLTA: Nearly lost my son.
ANDERSON: Back in 2001, Travolta talked to Larry King about the time Jett`s Kawasaki syndrome was first diagnosed when the boy was about two.
TRAVOLTA: It was very easily handled if you identify it. And we did. It was handled within 48 hours. But that 48 hours was not to be believed.
KING: What happens to him? Was he knocked out? Is he -
TRAVOLTA: No. He wasn`t knocked out. It was - the immune system overreacts because they have almost the equivalent of metallic - chemical in their - their body is responding to it.
KING: You knew that right away?
TRAVOLTA: No, no. The doctor knew that right away. We didn`t know what was wrong.
ANDERSON: Now, seven years later, Travolta`s worst nightmare has come true. Obie Wilchcombe, Bahamian official and friend of the Travolta family told the "Today" show how the family is coping.
MEREDITH VIEIRA, CO-HOST, THE "TODAY" SHOW: How are they holding up, sir?
OBIE WILCHCOMBE, BAHAMIAN OFFICIAL AND FRIEND OF THE TRAVOLTAS: Very, very, very trying for the Travolta family. You know John and his wife are family-oriented, loved their son Jett. Love to spend time with the family. Love to talk about their children. And so it was very difficult on the day, and it has been a very long and difficult weekend.
ANDERSON: Now, amid their grief, Travolta and his family are paying a moving tribute to Jett. In a statement they say, quote, "Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives."
The statement was signed with love by John Travolta, Kelly Preston and their 8-year-old daughter, Ella.
QUARLES: This is just heart-wrenching for the nicest people in Hollywood. And this just goes to show that tragedy can strike anyone at anytime.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: As the Travolta family mourns this shocking loss, their painful ordeal is far from over.
Joining me tonight in New York, Lisa Bloom, who is the host for "Lisa Bloom: Open Court" and an anchor "In Session." Also tonight in New York, J.D. Heyman, who is the assistant managing editor for "People" magazine. Welcome, Lisa. Welcome, J.D.
And you know, throughout his life, John Travolta and his wife were very protective of Jett to make sure that he lived his life out of the public eye. And now, everything is being made so painfully public. J.D., you have been covering the Travoltas for a long time now. How difficult it must be to not only mourn but to deal with being in the spotlight, too, now. There are no words.
J.D. HEYMAN, ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Well, you know that`s exactly right. This is a terrible thing for a family to experience. It`s about the worst thing anyone could imagine. And of course, it has to be lived by them in front of the camera. That`s unimaginable.
ANDERSON: Yes, and as it stands now, Travolta`s lawyers say that they`re actually not going to take any more questions. They had been speaking out a lot over the past few days. Lisa, do you think that is a good idea? Let the Travoltas grieve in peace. Give them a little bit of space here.
LISA BLOOM, HOST, "LISA BLOOM: OPEN COURT": Absolutely. And I think they all deserve our respect. They deserve to have a little bit of privacy. Yes, they are celebrities, but this is a private matter. And if they want to hole up and grieve privately, I think we should all respect that.
If they want few come out and make statements, we are all going to want to hear what that is. And they may go back and forth. I mean, this is the kind of situation nobody is prepared for. They may not know how they want to handle things. I just think we should all be a little bit hands-off as we watch them in the next couple weeks.
ANDERSON: Yes. Now, they cope. Everyone is different in terms of grieving and coping in a situation like this. And the Travoltas really built their lives around their children. They were known as very tight- knit, incredibly family-oriented. Long time family friend, Obie Wilchcombe, who is a member of parliament in the Bahamas and was with the Travoltas at the hospital on Friday, gave this glimpse of their pain this morning on the "Today" show. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
WILCHCOMBE: You know, John and his wife are family-oriented. Love their son Jett. Love to spend time with the family. Love to talk about their children. And so it was very difficult on the day. And it has been a very, long and difficult weekend, the weekend they have been using for reflection, sitting with friends and family close to them, and talking about what has happened and moving on.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: OK. He mentions moving on. But, J.D., of course, moving on is going to be extremely difficult for them. What is next for the Travolta family this week? Have any funeral plans been announced yet?
HEYMAN: Well we expect that they`ll deal with that in short order. Right now, obviously they, you know, they have just dealt with an autopsy. It`s an incredible ordeal for them to go through that. You know, they had been the Bahamas for a family gathering. They had their whole family around them for a new year`s celebration.
So they have a lot of support with them. They were gathered there for a festive family time and now they`re, you know, having to go through this. I would expect that, you know, within a pretty short amount of time, they will return to the United States and, you know say their final goodbyes to Jett.
ANDERSON: Yes.
HEYMAN: So, you know, this is all happening kind of one thing after another. But they`re well prepared to do that.
ANDERSON: It`s just awful, beginning the New Year in a celebratory way, and then so quickly turns tragic. John Travolta is one of the most famous movie stars in the world. He`s working on a film project, leading a very busy life.
There is speculation over whether Travolta of course will, of course, cancel his appearance at next week`s Golden Globes. I can`t imagine that he will be there. Lisa Bloom, I do imagine it will be some time before we see John Travolta and Kelly Preston back in public, back in the limelight, don`t you think?
BLOOM: Yes, I do think so. Although, look, some people choose to work. They find work to be an escape from this kind of grief. And so it`s possible that we could see him at the Golden Globes. We could see him working. It may be in fits and starts. He may be able to work for a while, then he may pull back. And of course, Kelly Preston, a star in her own right, as well - we may see her working or may see her pulling back. I just think it`s too early, probably for them to even know.
ANDERSON: Sure it is. Go ahead, J.D.
HEYMAN: I was going to say, as a couple and a family, they have always been very private people. I mean, they`re among the most famous people in the world. But John Travolta and his family have always sort of been apart from Hollywood. They spend most of their time in central Florida. They have not really been, you know, active on the sort of social circuit.
They`re, you know, loyal of course to the Hollywood community and do go to awards shows and do public events and do like to work. But you know, it`s important to point out that ever since Jett`s birth that, you know, he really has been the primary focus of their lives, and even to the point where, you know John Travolta would make a movie and fly home on the weekends to be with the family. So this is incredibly wrenching for them.
But, you know, they`re not social butterflies in that sense anyway. It would be their impulse to turn inward to their family and friends right now. I think that`s the right impulse and I expect that they will remain very private.
ANDERSON: Yes, they have been very devoted to their family since Jett`s birth. And we know that Jett suffered from seizures almost his entire life. He was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome when he was just two. John Travolta told "Good Morning, America" that they feared their little boy would die and that when he recovered it was one of the most emotional moments of his entire life. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRAVOLTA: I probably cried harder and heavier than I ever cried in my life. You know, it`s just, I thought I didn`t know what I was going do because I never felt that level of love for another human being, you know. And there it was, my baby, my son, is two and a half, and it can`t be, you know.
I can handle death, you know. I can handle people dying. But my baby, the threat of that was just - forget it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Now, his worst nightmare has become a reality. J.D., John Travolta has said he never really, fully experienced love until his son was born. Give us some insight. What was their relationship like?
HEYMAN: It was an intense, incredible bond like many fathers and sons have. He really, really loved this little boy. And you know, those people who saw them together saw that incredible connection that the two of them shared.
You know, Jett did have certain disabilities that he had to cope with. But John Travolta and he had an incredible bond together. And only he could really, you know - it was an incredible relationship.
BLOOM: And they even look so much alike.
ANDERSON: Yes, you`re right, Lisa. They really do favor. A really tough loss. We will leave it there for now. Lisa Bloom and J.D. Heyman., thank you both.
And we`ve got much more to come on the Travolta tragedy. Our coverage continues next with a revealing interview with John Travolta when he first talked about Jett`s health problems.
Also, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is taking you straight to the Bahamas where officials are trying to answer the lingering questions about how Jett died. We`ll have all the late-breaking developments from the Bahamas, straight ahead.
And we`ll also have this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It said, "Dear Ron, I have seen the video of your school on your Web site. I think you are incredible. Great work. Bravo. Bravo, my good friend. Oprah Winfrey." And I freaked out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The founder of a school gets a big surprise from Oprah Winfrey. Straight ahead, how Oprah is changing some students` lives. Plus, the Obama connection behind her surprise gift. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
And now the SHOWBIZ news ticker - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: John Bon Jovi will perform at a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton to raise money for her campaign debt. "Dancing with the Stars" stars Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff are engaged.)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRAVOLTA: I think between him, the fumes, and walking around and maybe picking up pieces or something, he got what is rarely a thing to deal with - but it`s called Kawasaki`s Syndrome.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That was John Travolta back in 2001 revealing to the world for the very first time about the moment he learned about his son`s very frightening disease.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with continuing coverage of the death of John Travolta`s 16-year-old son Jett in the Bahamas.
Tonight, we are learning the heartbreaking details about Jett`s health issues. It was eight years ago that John Travolta first revealed to CNN`s Larry King the unbelievable story of how Jett was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease.
The disease, which mostly affects boys under 5 years old, can cause heart disease if it is not caught early. It`s a startling story that every parent can relate to. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KING: John Travolta has known sadness, though, right? You lost?
TRAVOLTA: I lost my girlfriend. I lost my mother, my father, my manager.
KING: Nearly lost your son?
TRAVOLTA: Nearly lost my son.
KING: What happened?
TRAVOLTA: With my son it was - again, it was about seven years ago. And I was obsessive about cleaning - his space being clean. So we constantly had the carpets cleaned. And I think between him, the fumes, and walking around and maybe picking up pieces or something, he got what is rarely a thing to deal with - but it`s called Kawasaki`s Syndrome.
It is very easily handled if you identify it. And we did, and it was handled within 48 hours. But that 48 hours was not to be believed.
KING: What happens to him? Was he knocked out? Is he -
TRAVOLTA: No. He wasn`t knocked out. It was - the immune system overreacts because they have almost the equivalent of metallic - chemical in their - their body is responding to it.
KING: You knew that right away?
TRAVOLTA: No, no. The doctor knew that right away. We didn`t know what was wrong.
KING: He was what - how old?
TRAVOLTA: He`s nine now, so he was probably two or two and a half. And boy, was that - it`s like your little one I met today. I mean, imagine, you know -
KING: Something happening -
TRAVOLTA: And I thought I was tough. I thought I was with all the loss I have been through that I would have, you know, been -
KING: And you lost your girlfriend at a very early age?
TRAVOLTA: Did you know Diana Hyland?
KING: I met her twice.
TRAVOLTA: Yes.
KING: She was extraordinary.
TRAVOLTA: Extraordinary woman.
KING: What did she die of?
TRAVOLTA: She died of cancer.
KING: How old was she?
TRAVOLTA: She was 41, and it was not an easy time for me.
KING: Are you able to deal well with loss?
TRAVOLTA: I don`t know really how to answer that because I think -
KING: Paul McCartney said, "He cried." You just cried.
TRAVOLTA: Of course you do. I think what happens is that you always miss that person.
KING: They`re always around you.
TRAVOLTA: Yes. The crying you have to do. I mean, just - don`t bypass that, OK?
KING: Yes. Don`t be strong.
TRAVOLTA: Forget that. I just meant that I was tough in getting used to the fact that people die, but not tough to the idea that loss wasn`t significant to me, because it is and it always will be.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: John Travolta is one of the world`s most beloved stars. And the calls have just been pouring in for him and his family to our "Showbiz On Call" phone lines. We got a call from Joyce in North Carolina.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
JOYCE, CALLER FROM NORTH CAROLINA: I`m calling to send the Travolta family my condolences. I lost my son seven years ago, so I know what part of their heart is missing. I just want to tell them how sorry I am.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you for that, Joyce. And we also heard from Nikki in Arkansas who can really empathize with what John Travolta and his family are going through. Listen to this.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
NIKKI, CALLER FROM ARKANSAS: I would like to say that my deepest, sincerest prayers and thoughts go out to John Travolta and his family. I truly understand his grief and his family`s grief. I also buried a young son several years ago. He, like John Travolta`s son, I know will leave beautiful memories and untold love.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Nikki. And if you want to send a message of condolence to the Travolta family, call us at "Showbiz On Call." The phone lines always open - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Simply leave a voicemail. We will play some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And your calls to "Showbiz On Call" are also now online on our homepage, CNN.com/ShowbizTonight.
Well it really is an unimaginable loss for John Travolta and his whole family. Coming up, how will the Travoltas cope with such devastating pain? Also, we`re taking you to the Bahamas for the very latest details on Jett`s tragic death. And also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is such an amazing gift.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And I never felt like this before.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a powerful moment in history.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A big gift from Oprah Winfrey. Coming up, how Oprah is changing the lives of some very thankful students. And the Obama connection behind her gift to them.
And Paris Hilton loses her jewelry. Somebody made off with $2 million of Paris` bling. And she says she has some ideas on who did it. That`s coming up. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming right back.
And now, the SHOWBIZ news ticker - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Thank you, Charles. Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Tonight, the "SHOWBIZ Obama Watch." President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and their kids have finally arrived in Washington. It was the first day of school today for Sasha and Malia. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was there as the girls showed up to the Sidwell Friends School Monday morning and brought along a ton of secret service agents for show-and-tell.
Now, listen to this - the Obamas are semi-homeless right now. They aren`t moving into the White House yet, but OK, they definitely aren`t slumming it either. Here`s CNN`s Samantha Hayes for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SAMANTHA HAYES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He won the most exclusive address in the country. But first President-elect Barack Obama will be staying across the street in a hotel that claims to be the most prestigious.
GARRETT GRAFF, EDITOR-AT-LARGE, "WASHINGTONIAN": Hay-Adams`s motto is actually, the only thing overlooked here is the White House.
HAYES: And it`s where other presidents have looked for top-notch accommodations. President Bill Clinton stayed at the Hay-Adams, which also happens to be conveniently located to one of his favorite restaurants. The hotel also has its storied past. It was named for John Hays, assistant to President Lincoln and later secretary of state, and Henry Adams, an acclaimed author and descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. The hotel is thought to be haunted by Henry Adams` wife, Clover.
GRAFF: And it`s said that Henry Adams`s wife, Clover, who committed suicide in 1885 still haunts the hotel grounds today, especially and I don`t know why this is, in the month of December.
HAYES: The Obamas` first choice was the official White House guest quarters called the Blair House, but President Bush says it`s booked until the 15th.
GRAFF: There certainly was a lot of whispers when that came out, that it was a little bit rude to tell the president-elect that he couldn`t move into Blair House early, but on the other hand there are legitimate needs for the space for the outgoing administration.
HAYES: So for now, the new president will enjoy the spectacular views of the White House from the Hay-Adams as he prepares to see things from a different angle on the inside.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Samantha Hayes for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Samantha also tells us that if the Obamas are staying in one of the suites at the Hay-Adams it could range from about $3,000 to $5,000 a night, plus room service of course.
All right. Coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - our continuing coverage of the tragic death of John Travolta`s son. Still so many questions surrounding Jett Travolta`s sudden death. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is taking you to the Bahamas for all the late-breaking details, next.
ANDERSON: Also, it is a hard question - how will the Travolta family possibly cope with their devastating loss? We are looking into that straight ahead.
And we`ll also have this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is such an amazing gift.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I never felt like this before.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a powerful moment in history.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A big gift from Oprah Winfrey. Straight ahead, how Oprah is changing the lives of some very thankful students. Plus, I will tell you about the Obama connection behind her gift. Keep it right here.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT - the Travolta tragedy. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT in the Bahamas with the latest developments on the sudden shocking death of John Travolta`s and Kelly Preston`s teenage son. Just how is the Travolta family coping with this tragedy?
Plus, our "Showbiz On Call" phone lines flooded with your thoughts for the Travoltas. It`s "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s" continuing coverage of the Travolta tragedy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It said, "Dear Ron, I have seen the video of your school on your Web site. I think you are incredible. Great work. Bravo. Bravo, my good friend, Oprah Winfrey." And I freaked out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oprah`s amazing surprise. Tonight the incredible story of Oprah Winfrey opening her heart and checkbook for some amazing kids who have a really interesting connection to Barack Obama.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 30 minutes past the hour. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.
Right now, our continuing coverage of the Travolta family tragedy. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is on the scene in the Bahamas with brand-new details about the tragic death of John Travolta`s 16-year-old son, Jett. We will be going to the Bahamas in just a moment.
But first here`s the very latest, new right now. Late this afternoon, doctors in the Bahamas completed their autopsy on Jett Travolta. The reported cause of death, a seizure. Officials have said the teenager died after suffering a seizure and hitting his head on the bathtub at Travolta`s Bahamian estate.
Tonight, we`re hearing from John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, in their own words, this for the very first time since the death of their beloved son. John and Kelly say they are just heartbroken.
And funeral arrangements are being finalized. Jett`s body is expected to be flown back to Florida where the Travoltas have a home by Wednesday.
The developments are fast moving in the Bahamas, so let`s go there right now. Joining us is Tony Potts who is a correspondent for "Access Hollywood."
You know, the Travoltas have finally broken their silence about Jett`s death, releasing a statement that said in part, "We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives."
Tony, has anyone seen Travolta or his family since this tragedy?
TONY POTTS, CORRESPONDENT, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD" (on the phone): Yes, a couple of people have. A lot of people - the Bahamian people here are very protective of John Travolta. And we look back on the Anna Nicole Smith death, and it`s a much different scene here in the Bahamas for that.
These people love John Travolta. They love Jett, love Kelly, love little Ella. And so, they have seen him around. They`ve been very protective of him. They feel like here in the Bahamas that they`ve actually lost one of their own. They consider John to be one of them. He came here without superstar status, carried his own bags, talked to a woman this morning who had ferried him around when he first got here about five years ago - who was driving for him.
They had nothing but good things to say about him. And the tears were flowing. I can tell you, Brooke, Jett`s body has left the Restview Memorial Mortuary and is on its way to the airport and will be flown back this evening, Monday evening, and should be there by now - to Ocala, in Florida, which is, as you well know, the Travoltas` family home. Has the fly-in kind of community where he could fly his jet in.
I do believe, though, that it is not being flown in on one of John`s private jets. It`s being flown in. He just couldn`t bring himself to do it, I understand.
ANDERSON: Well, that is understandable. And Ocala, Florida, of course, where the burial will take place.
Hey, Tony, there are conflicting reports about the timeline of Jett`s death with the Bahamian police and the Travoltas seemingly at odds over how fast there was a response to Jett after his accident. What exactly are the police saying?
POTTS: Well, the police are saying that they had spotted - that they were told that Jett was last seen on the night before his death around 10:00 going into the bathroom, and then was found the next morning unconscious on the floor.
However, the Travoltas representation of lawyers have said, no, no that wasn`t the case. He wasn`t there for that length of time. He was never unattended before he was found by the male nanny.
So there are conflicting reports. It will be interesting to see, Brooke if the autopsy, which is now finished and finalized by two pathologists, were brought in. And I asked actually the foreign minister of tourism this morning why they brought in two pathologists. And they said because of the Anna Nicole Smith case, they wanted to have two people here and to get it done and to be safe rather than sorry later.
And I will be interested to see if that autopsy result is ever, ever published. Because you do know that John did bring in the family physician and flew him in today to oversee the autopsy.
ANDERSON: Yes, they are certainly being very, very cautious. We will of course, Tony, be speaking with you throughout this. Thank you so much for your time. Tony Potts in the Bahamas tonight. We appreciate it. Thanks.
And tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you there is an overwhelming reaction to the Travolta family tragedy from Hollywood to calls flooding our "Showbiz On Call" phone lines.
Joining me tonight from New York, Lisa Bloom, who is an anchor for "In Session." Also in New York, Howard Bragman, who is the founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations and the author of "Where is my 15 Minutes?"
OK, Lisa, Howard. We know that Travolta is one of the biggest, most beloved movie stars really in the world. Lisa, is that why this has struck such a chord? Or is there more to it than that? Because so many people unfortunately can identify with a family tragedy?
BLOOM: Well, absolutely. And my condolences to the Travolta family at this horrific time for them. It really is a tragedy that none of us can imagine. I am often very critical of celebrities. This is a time when they deserve to have their privacy. They deserve to have respect as they try to sort through all of this.
We do wonder exactly what happened. I think that`s why people are so curious. How is it possible when two nannies were supposedly watching this young man that this kind of a thing happened? But right now, there are only questions, and I think grieving is the only appropriate response.
ANDERSON: Certainly. And we asked our viewers first thing Monday morning to call in on the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines with condolences to the Travoltas. I can tell you that the response has been unprecedented. One of those who called is Carol from South Carolina. Listen to what she shared with us. It`s unbelievable.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CAROL, CALLER FROM SOUTH CAROLINA: I just want to express my deepest sympathy out to the Travolta family. I have always admired John Travolta and their family, so much so that when I had a son, 11 years ago, I named him Jett after John Travolta`s son Jett. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She named her son after Travolta`s son. Wow, Howard, this really shows the how well-liked, how loved Travolta and his family are, doesn`t it?
HOWARD BRAGMAN, FOUNDER, FIFTEEN MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS: It really does. And it`s not that John`s just a big movie star, which he obviously is. He is the biggest of movie stars. We grew up with John Travolta. I`m the same age as John.
We first saw him when - 30 years ago when he burst on screen. And we have grown up with John. We saw him get married. We saw him be a dad and turn into a really wonderful guy. And because of all this, we share in the grief so much more than somebody we don`t know because we feel like we do know John.
ANDERSON: Yes. And you know, every time I have spoken with John or with Kelly, they have been nothing but pleasant. Really good people. And as big a star as Travolta is, he lives a very normal life. Not in Hollywood but mostly in Ocala, Florida. Lisa, is that normality why people connect to them so much in a way?
BLOOM: Well, it probably is. And he plays a regular guy in a lot of movies. I was just thinking about "Saturday Night Fever," which is what Howard I think was referencing so many years ago. He plays the kind of characters that we can connect to, that we can relate to. He has a beautiful wife, Kelly Preston, and these two beautiful children.
And look, accidents happen as horrible as this tragedy is. It happened to him and his family. It happens to a lot of families. And I think that`s another reason why people can connect. Unfortunately, sometimes, the wheel spins. Unfortunately, this time it landed on the Travolta family. But it just makes them all the more real, I think, and all the more vulnerable just like the rest of us.
ANDERSON: Yes, a great point. Well, Travolta, as we have said, is very successful. And he just received a Golden Globe nomination for his song with Miley Cyrus in the animated kid`s film, "Bolt." So listen to what a young SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewer, Daniel, from California, told us in "Showbiz On Call."
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
DANIEL, CALLER FROM CALIFORNIA: I just want to talk about the Travoltas and how sad it must be for them. I just wanted to say that John Travolta is one of my favorite actors. And it must have crushed his heart to pieces when the son died.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Daniel, said it best there, didn`t he? Travolta`s heart has been crushed. Howard, there is nothing more important to Travolta than his family, is there?
BRAGMAN: No. And he shows it every day. We don`t see his family much. You know, he is very low key about that. But if you have ever been with John, if you have ever seen him interact with his family, it`s something really special. And there is nothing, nothing, nothing, worse than a parent losing a child. I think it is the most painful thing that can happen.
And I don`t want to say that parents love a special needs child more, but there is a special kind of love that goes with a special needs child. That really amplifies the pain for them. And my condolences go out to them and everyone on their team. This is just a tragic loss.
ANDERSON: It certainly is indescribable. Our hearts do go out to the Travolta family.
BLOOM: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Lisa Bloom, Howard Bragman, we will leave it there for now. Thank you both.
BLOOM: Thanks.
BRAGMAN: Thanks, Brooke.
ANDERSON: All right. Coming up next, we will have much more on this Travolta family tragedy. The Travoltas are one of the most beloved couples, families in Hollywood. Their pain right now is unimaginable. So just how are they coping with this terrible loss? And what about all the unanswered medical questions surrounding Jett Travolta`s illness? We are getting into that, next.
And also this -
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It said, "Dear Ron, I have seen the video of your school on your Web site. I think you are incredible. Great work, bravo, bravo. My good friend, Oprah Winfrey." And I freaked out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Oprah`s amazing surprise. You have got to hear this. Oprah Winfrey opens up her heart and her wallet for some inner city kids. Now, these kids have become huge stars because of their really interesting connection to Barack Obama. That`s coming up.
And brand new developments in the case of the $2 million Paris Hilton house burglary. Why cops now think it may be an inside job. Did her own friends set her up? We`ve got that, coming up.
ANDERSON: And now, the showbiz news ticker - more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news right now.
(CAPTION READS: Heather Locklear pleads no contest to reckless driving, DUI charge dismissed. Locklear gets three years informal probation, fined $700. "People" magazine: Tara Reid ready for "new beginning" after checking into rehab.")
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with our continuing coverage of the Travolta family tragedy. It`s really hard to imagine how the Travoltas are coping with the sudden death of their 16-year-old son. And there are also still so many questions surrounding the illness that Travolta`s son suffered from for most of his life.
Joining me tonight in New York is Cooper Lawrence who is a psychology expert, and in Atlanta, CNN medical correspondent Judy Fortin. Hi, Cooper. Hi, Judy.
You know, I want to begin with talking about the Travoltas and their privacy. They have always fiercely guarded that privacy. Cooper, how important is it for them to keep that as they grieve?
COOPER LAWRENCE, PSYCHOLOGY EXPERT: Well, it`s a tough question, because - of course, it is very important because you want as much privacy as possible. The grieving process is very intense. Right now, I`m sure it feels very surreal to them and the fact that they`re forced to answer questions makes it even more difficult.
However, they are celebrities. And when you become a celebrity, you give up a certain part of your anonymity and a certain part of your privacy. So I think they expect that. They have been celebrities for a long time. They get it. But I think, right now, they really need to be there for their daughter more than anything else.
ANDERSON: Yes. I`m sure they`re just stunned right now. And while we may learn more in the coming days about the circumstances surrounding Jett`s death, Jett reportedly suffered from seizures most of his life and had one before he died. Judy, what would cause a seizure in a 16-year-old?
FORTIN: Brooke, that is a good question. We have very little information from the family attorney. But we spoke with some medical experts who say there are dozens of different disorders that could cause a seizure in 16- year-old. For instance, it could have something to do with genetics, maybe a brain tumor, lack of oxygen, a stroke, low blood sugar and possibly certain prescription medications.
Brooke, the list is long. And right now, we just don`t have any answers for you.
ANDERSON: You are right. You are right. And it`s going to be some time, of course, before it is all made clear.
As we have been showing, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has shown you there has been an unbelievable outpouring of support for the Travoltas from fans all around the world. Cooper, with all of the questions for the Travoltas, does it make it harder to grieve in the public eye or easier with the outpouring of public support that they have received and that they will receive in the future?
LAWRENCE: I think the answer to that lies in the individual. I think for some celebrities, the fans really make them feel loved, they make them feel comforted and make them feel like, they can go through it together. We`re a family. We`re a team. We`re a community.
For other people, they really feel put upon. They feel as though people are demanding this of me now. They want me to also share grief with them, and this is too private. So it really comes down to who the Travoltas are as individuals.
ANDERSON: Yes, in their statement, they said they were grateful for all of the support and the love that they have received from everyone since the death of Jett.
And John Travolta and his wife have both said that their son was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease when he was just two years old. Judy, does this disease normally cause seizures?
FORTIN: Brooke, apparently not. According to the experts that we spoke with, seizures are rarely connected to Kawasaki Syndrome. The disease is not really considered a neurological condition. It is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.
You may have heard the Travoltas blaming pesticides or household cleaners for triggering the condition, but the actual cause is unknown. The experts we spoke to say that Kawasaki Syndrome is caused by an infection due to a virus or bacteria combined with genetic factors which causes a severe reaction from the immune system.
Now, it`s mostly seen in children ages one through five, and rarely in kids older than eight. The biggest risk we found out is that inflammation causes permanent damage to heart arteries which can cause aneurysms. That can occur in about 15 to 25 percent of kids who get the disease. And in rare cases, the aneurysms can lead to heart attacks later in life, Brooke.
ANDERSON: And like you say, key word here with a lot of it is rare. My goodness. Cooper Lawrence, Judy Fortin. Thank you both. We appreciate it.
OK. On now to some happier news. Tonight, Oprah`s amazing surprise. This is an incredible story. Oprah Winfrey opening her heart and her wallet for some inner city kids who have become huge stars. Their song to President-elect Barack Obama, "Dear Obama," has been tearing up the Internet and caught Oprah`s attention in a big way.
Here is CNN`s Brook Baldwin for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(CHILDREN SINGING)
BROOK BALDWIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): You heard their song "Dear Obama." It`s a rap turned viral video written by middle schoolers with lyrics that go over the heads of some adults.
(CHILDREN SINGING)
BALDWIN: Now, the singing scholars at the Ron Clark Academy, a private school in Atlanta, received a real letter. No, not from Barack Obama, but we`ll call her "a friend."
RON CLARK, EDUCATOR AND FOUNDER, RON CLARK ACADEMY: It said, "Dear Ron, I have seen the video of your school on your Web site. I think you are incredible. What you are doing sharing your passion with your students around the country is wonderful. Great work. Bravo, bravo, my good friend, Oprah Winfrey." And I freaked out.
BALDWIN: Wait, there was more.
CLARK: Then, a sheet of paper fell out and I picked it up. It was a check for $365,000. And I was like, what? I looked. I couldn`t believe it. There was no one there to tell. I was all excited. It was just amazing.
BALDWIN: $1,000 for every day of the year. This is an inner city school where tuition can run $14,000 a year. And according to Clark whose school depends on donations to support students, families can`t afford the whole tab. He plans to use this Christmas cash to open doors for even more students.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is such an amazing gift.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`ve never felt like this before.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a powerful moment in history.
Baldwin: And at the school where Clark`s staff teaches by day and fundraises by night, this gracious gift may encourage others to give as well.
CLARK: So hopefully, other people will say, "Maybe I should send a check to the school," wink, wink. That will give false report.
(CHILDREN SINGING)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was CNN`s Brook Baldwin for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. And Brook says the students may be Washington-bound. Oprah told Clark she might have them on her inauguration special, which she`s taping in D.C.
ANDERSON: All right. I`ve got to say I do feel a little bit sorry for Paris Hilton. She`s had more than $2 million in jewelry swiped from her house.
And tonight, I`ve got brand-new details on why police think it might have been an inside job. Could her friends have been involved? We`ve got that, coming up next. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson. And right now, brand-new details about that burglary at Paris Hilton`s L.A. home, where $2 million in jewelry and other stuff were swiped. "The L.A. Times" reports that police believe it was an inside job done by somebody familiar with Paris` house and knew where to find the expensive stuff to steal.
Cops are talking to a few suspects. Paris gave them some names. Whoever did it came through an unlocked door sometime between the evening of December 19th and the morning of December 20th. Security videos showed the thief going right for the jewelry. Paris was not at home at the time.
Also new right now, "Live`s" Regis and Kelly get a complete makeover and it`s been a long time coming.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For the first time in HD, it`s "Live with Regis and Kelly."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa started off the new year with a brand-spanking-new theme song and a whole lot more new things. It`s the first major overhaul in a while - about 10 years. I`m talking a new set, a new show open. They really rolled out the red and orange carpet here.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KELLY RIPA, CO-HOST, "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": Can we just address this sumptuous carpet that we walked out onto?
REGIS PHILBIN, CO-HOST, "LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY": Well, we`re in HD now, you know.
RIPA: We are in HD.
PHILBIN: That`s right.
RIPA: How are you feeling about that?
PHILBIN: It`s really exciting to be on this new carpet.
RIPA: I`ve got to tell you, if I had gotten a pedicure over the break, I would put my toe through this sumptuous carpet. This is real synthetic fiber, I believe.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: By the way, that new theme song - Regis and Kelly had a contest to compose a new one. The winner, a 35-year-old musician from Miami. He got $100,000 for winning. That will buy many synthetic fiber rugs.
All right, on our Web site CNN.com/ShowbizTonight, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, whose movie do you want to see most this holiday season?
Brad Pitt`s "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Jennifer Aniston`s "Marley and Me," or Tom Cruise`s "Valkyrie."
It was Jennifer Aniston squeaking by her ex Brad Pitt - 45 percent to 42 percent. Tom Cruise bringing up the rear with 13 percent.
And here`s an E-mail we got. It looks like Ani from New York isn`t a Brad, Jennifer, or Tom. She writes, "Eeew. Three of the top people I wouldn`t pay a cent to see."
ANDERSON: Something (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Ani. All right. That`s a wrap for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thanks so much for spending some time with us. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.
Remember, you can catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Take care.
END
