John Travolta and Kelly Preston have taken time out from mourning the tragic death of their 16-year-old son, Jett, to issue their first remarks on their loss.
"We would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their love and condolence," they write via his and her official websites. "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 that we had with him for the rest of our lives.
"We have received many messages of condolence from around the world and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. It is a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness in the human spirit that gives us hope for a brighter future."
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday in the Bahamas, and the family is hoping to have the body transported back to Florida for a funeral later this week.
(Originally published Jan. 4. 2009 at 10:25 a.m. PT.)