Inside Jane Fonda’s Relationship with Ted Turner, Her ‘Favorite Ex-Husband’

Jane Fonda has mourned the passing of her ex-husband, Ted Turner, the media magnate known for founding CNN, who passed away on May 6 at the age of 87. Turner, also recognised for his environmental advocacy, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018, and his health had been on the decline in recent years. Fonda, now 88, and Turner were married for a decade from 1991 until their divorce in 2001, but their relationship continued to resonate long after the end of their marriage.

The couple began dating in 1990, shortly after Fonda separated from her previous husband, Californian politician Tom Hayden. Turner, confident and assertive, managed to retrieve Fonda’s phone number and directly expressed interest in dating her. Reflecting on this initial conversation in 1990, Fonda recalled feeling unwell but also described Turner as an interesting person. Soon after, the two began a romance that defied public expectations due to their contrasting personalities—Turner was a flamboyant billionaire with a reputation for brashness, while Fonda was celebrated Hollywood royalty and an outspoken liberal activist.

Despite these contrasts, their relationship flourished. Fonda, who described Turner as “a very, very funny, lovable, complicated person,” later recounted moments of deep connection in her memoir “My Life So Far.” She painted vivid memories of shared joy, including laughter that sent them to the floor at Turner’s plantation estate in Georgia, where they often retreated from the public eye.

Their wedding occurred in 1991 on Turner’s expansive 8,100-acre Avalon plantation, marking the formation of a blended family, as Fonda brought three children from her prior marriages and Turner had five. However, the marriage faced challenges almost immediately. Fonda alleged infidelity shortly after they exchanged vows, and while they attempted to work through their differences, including her spiritual journey toward Christianity, the marriage ultimately unravelled. They announced their separation in 2000, with a statement indicating the need for personal time apart.

By April 2001, Fonda filed for divorce, stating the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” Despite the dissolution of their union, both Fonda and Turner maintained a cordial relationship. Fonda later affectionately referred to Turner as “My favourite ex-husband!” when they crossed paths at a charity event. She reflected in 2008 on their bond, emphasising that “Life is too short to be fighting,” expressing a lasting connection that endured past their marital strife.

Months before Turner’s passing, Fonda spoke passionately about their shared philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential (GCAPP), a charity they established together in 1995. At a gala celebrating the organisation’s 30th anniversary, she acknowledged Turner’s pivotal role in its inception and her journey. “Ted’s not here, but he is here in my heart, and I know he is here in a lot of our hearts,” she remarked, highlighting the enduring legacy of their collaboration.

Turner’s death has prompted tributes from many, including CNN’s current CEO, Mark Thompson, who commemorated him as an “intensely involved and committed leader” whose contributions to the media landscape are indelible. Thompson asserted that Turner was the enduring “spirit of CNN,” emphasising the significant impact he left on the network and broader media industry.

As the world reflects on Turner’s achievements and legacy, Fonda’s remembrance illustrates the complexities of their relationship—one defined by both personal affection and professional collaboration. Their shared history not only shaped their lives, but also left a mark on the organisations and causes they championed together.

Fonda’s emotional tributes and reminiscences lead to an understanding of Turner not just as a businessman, but as a person with whom she shared profound moments, solidifying his presence in her life beyond their years of marriage. Though their time together was punctuated with challenges, the bond they forged has evidently left a lasting impact, resonating through Fonda’s words and their collective philanthropic contributions.