Kelly Preston, Maria Shriver, Kate Gosselin | 07/09/2009 10:20 am

Kelly Preston, Kate Gosselin, Elizabeth Edwards to Headline Maria Shriver's Women's Conference

Event will be the first time Preston, wife of John Travolta, will speak publicly about her son Jett’s death in the Bahamas.

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Women from all walks of life will be getting together in October to share their stories about coping with loss — especially the loss of a child — and tough family issues everyone from Hollywood stars to the average soccer mom face.

During the California Governor’s Conference for Women, hosted by Golden State First Lady Maria Shriver, personalities including actress Kelly Preston, Kate Gosselin of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," Elizabeth Edwards and others will come together. Jett, the son of Preston and John Travolta, died in January during a family trip to the Bahamas. Jett’s death fueled scads of reports about his health conditions, Scientology and what treatment — if any — Jett was receiving for them. The conference will mark the first time Preston will be speaking publicly about her loss.

"If she can empower one other woman who feels like they can’t get out of bed, or get through the day, whatever the loss, it’ll be worthwhile sharing her story," Shriver told People. "I asked her to speak and she knew about the conference and decided if she was only going to speak once, it would be here. She wants the conversation to be about more than just her."

Preston will be joined on a panel titled "Grief & Resilience" by Elizabeth Edwards and actress Susan St. James – both of whom have lost sons. Edwards also had to deal with discovering that her husband, former presidential candidate John Edwards, had an affair with a campaign staffer and may have an illegitimate child with her. Other speakers will include Cindy and Meghan McCain — wife and daughter of Arizona senator and former presidential candidate John McCain — Caroline Kennedy, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Vanity Fair photographer Annie Leibovitz and racecar driver Danica Patrick.

This is an event surely not to be missed!

28 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

It sounds like a very good thing, especially on dealing with the loss of a child, which so many of us have had to deal with. I cannot understand why Kate Gosselin is included. How can a "celebrtity mom" with a lot of children offer any relevant advice, as she is so well funded and supplied with helpers.

By Lizzie R. on 07/09/2009 1:24 pm

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Addressing some of the above remarks/questions:

In a short interview on the Internet Maria stated that she had not originally included Kate Gosselin on the list of speakers, but her daughter "loves" Jon and Kate +8, so asked for her to be included. she gave in. Too bad.

Kate also stated that her daughter "was speaking too loudly, and bothering" her, so she spanked her. This is called hitting or parenting in defense. She was irritated by her. This was not a lesson learning discipline. Her demeaning remarks to her sons and others, Jon included, cause me to believe this girl could use some therapy. Her anger issues have been evident for quite awhile. Now that it is in the open, and she has admitted the truth of what has been going on for about two years now, I feel the audience/public have all been misled by the loving vows renewal, the loving family kitchen cookbook, etc. She has had help, and resources most of us could only dream of. We survived and raised our children, and coped with life. I will not be spending time or money to hear what she has to say. She has pretty much revealed herself enough already.

In the past this was a beautiful event to attend. There will be some wonderful speakers at the conference. With the California economy at such a dire level, I also am wondering who will be able to afford to go this year.

By Catriona B on 07/10/2009 12:13 am

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I know I shouldn’t say this, but this sounds like a bore.

By Slinky Binx on 07/09/2009 2:51 pm

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Slinky Binx

It does sound cold hearted. However, you’re entitled to say whatever you feel.

By L. C. on 07/09/2009 6:26 pm

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Slinky,

This is an annual event in CA. Many years ago when this conference was just getting started, there were some really admirable politicians, entrepreneurs, and innovative speakers who inspired women. Your company bought a table and there never seemed to be enough tickets to go around. It just not what it used to be. And it’s not cheap, either. $3600 for a table for 12. The cheapest ticket is about $125 and the price goes way up depending on location.

Last year there were appearances by Lance Armstrong, Bono, Warren Buffett, Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Jenny McCarthy, Russell Simmons and a special performance by Bonnie Raitt.

This year the speakers will be: This year will see Cindy McCain, Elizabeth Edwards, Katie Couric, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Kelly Preston, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and racing driver Danica Patrick among the featured speakers. About the only one that would be of interest to me would be Madeleine Albright. Note they don’t mention Kate whats-her-name. Wonder if there’s a last minute switch on the speaker list.

What I’m wondering is, with all the financial problems and unemployment in CA, who will want to spend money for this? I could be wrong.

By Andrea Brandon on 07/09/2009 10:07 pm

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Slinky,

See my post a little further down the thread.

[Nowadays I’m never sure where my post will end up.]

By Andrea Brandon on 07/09/2009 10:10 pm

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It doesn’t matter if Kate Gosselins children aren’t actually working- they are struggling to simply be children with cameras in their faces recording every tear drop and meltdown, which kids in that situation are bound to do. This cannot be done without the consent of their "parents". And because now Jon and Kate are rolling in cash and loving every minute the paps record it (do not let them convince you they are not), you really think they will remove their golden tickets- oops, sorry- children, from the spotlight? They would have already done so if they put them and their marriage first. Kate’s incessant berating of her husband is sick, and though I missed the episode of her spanking Leah (I had ceased to watch it by then, in fact I missed most of it because I saw all this coming, couldn’t stand it) if its for the reasons described, that is sick as well. You don’t spank a child for being annoying, if you have to do so at all, it is a last resort and for something that may warrant it, like the child being a danger to himself and/or others, period.

BTW- as far as the ticket cost- this show is for rich women, obviously, who have the money to blow- not for those of us who can only comment on it in wonder and envy.

Sorry- I don’t post much and I am sure I will be raked over the coals, but I had to speak my mind about it.

By mia jade on 07/10/2009 8:07 am

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I think they should have invited Carol and Sydney McCain, John’s first wife and first daughter. THAT would be an entertaining discussion I might actually pay bucks to see.

Other than that, Slinky is right, snore-fest.

By Kashmir ____ on 07/10/2009 8:19 am

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This conference is for the wealthy!

In these economic times what working woman has the money? I mean the majority of working women are trying to keep a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs and clothing on their backs. We’re blessed if at the end of the day we have money for extras other than necessities.

I hope the conference is not going to be a "Cry Fest." I hope those who grieve will discover joy again and learn to "Celebrate Life!"

By L. C. on 07/11/2009 4:28 am

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Michele Neff Hernandez will you be attending the conference? If you are, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to speak. Conference attendees can benefit from your experience and information. Your continued service to others will continue to help you.

By L. C. on 07/11/2009 4:37 am