Washington, Apr 9 : John Travolta, 55, and Kelly Preston, 46, had been keeping a low profile since the tragic death of their son Jett on January 2 in the Bahamas, but the couple returned to the spotlight when they celebrated their daughter Ella Bleu's 9th birthday on April 3.

As per a source close to the family, the two celebrated the day "just as they would any other year".

"John is a strong man, but we want to leave him in peace," People magazine quoted Olivia Newton-John, a long-time pal, as saying.

"To lose a loved one - it''s the worst time in anyone''s life," she said.

But the two are slowly beginning to get back to the world, and they have started by reaching out to those who are closest them.

"They aren''t secluding themselves or paralysed," the family friend, who saw them recently, said.

"[Seeing them] was like old times. Nothing awkward and no topics to dance around. There were smiles," the friends stated.

Another friend revealed that the couple were leaning on their strong Scientology beliefs and their close bonds to cope with losing Jett, who would have turned 17 on April 13.

"They''re relying on their faith to get them through this," the friend said.

"Their faith is solid, and their family is solid," the friend added. (ANI)