Many remember Diana Hyland for her roles in various television series and films. Before the actress’ tragic death at age 41, her relationship with John Travolta was at the forefront of Hollywood.
Inside Diana Hyland’s Relationship With John Travolta
Diana, who was born in 1977 in Ohio, kickstarted her acting career in the ‘50s, landing roles in Robert Montgomery Presents, Star Tonight, The Big Story and more. She married Joe Goodson in 1969 and they welcomed one child together, son Zachary Goodson, in 1973. The pair divorced in 1975.
The Young Doctor Malone alum costarred alongside John in 1976’s The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, where she played his mom. Despite their 18 year age gap, Diana and John struck up a romance on set, which translated off screen too.
“I have never been more in love with anyone in my life,” John told People in 1977. “I thought I was in love before, but I wasn’t. From the moment I met her I was attracted. We were like two maniacs talking all the time on the set of Bubble. After a month it became romantic.”
“I had more fun with Diana than I ever had in my life,” the Grease actor told the outlet. “And the odd thing is just before we met I thought I would never have a successful relationship. She told me that she too had thought the same thing. Then, bam.”
What Happened to Diana Hyland?
Diana was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, however, her cancer had metastasized. In 1977, she made her debut as Joan Bradford on Eight Is Enough, filming four episodes of the show amid her declining health.
“Diana didn’t know she was going to die for sure until two weeks before. And when I first knew her [from Boy in the Plastic Bubble] there was a possibility it would never happen,” John said.
While John was working on 1977’s Saturday Night Fever, he and Diana hatched a plan to move in together.
“I picked out a house, and Diana and I were planning on moving in right after this movie. If she was alive, it is very possible I would have married her,” he said.
Diana died on March 27, 1977 at age 41, with John by her side. “I felt the breath go out of her,” he remembered.
After her death, John said he went through the “hardest 10 weeks of my life.”
“I gave her great joy the last months of her life,” the Pulp Fiction actor recalled. “I always feel she is with me — I mean her intentions are. Diana always wanted the world for me in every possible way.”
Diana Hyland’s Son Posted a Tribute to Her
In March 2025, Zachary shared a tribute to his mother on the 48th anniversary of her death.
“Today marks the anniversary of my mom, Diana’s passing. I was just 3 1/2 years old when we lost her, and while I don’t have memories of her, I feel incredibly grateful to have so many pictures and moments captured in time,” he captioned a photo with her and him when he was a baby. “These snapshots allow me to keep her close, and I can revisit her presence anytime I want.”
“Mom, not a day goes by that I don’t think about you—wondering what life would’ve been like with you by my side,” he continued. “Your kindness, grace, and warmth touched everyone you met. Even though you’re not physically here, your spirit lives on in my heart every day. I miss you more than words can express, Mom. You are forever with me, in every step I take. #dianahyland.”