Sally Ann Ranney, the partner of media mogul Ted Turner, recently delivered an emotional tribute to the late CNN founder, who passed away in May at the age of 87. Speaking at the 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon in New York City on September 22, Ranney fondly remembered Turner as both a mentor and a guiding light in her life.
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During her address, which took place at an event organised by Fashion 4 Development, Ranney reflected on Turner’s remarkable personality. She described him as a man with a significant presence: “He was someone that you took seriously when he stepped into the room because he had an aura, he had a light in his soul that nobody could deny.” Overwhelmed with emotion at times, she recounted vivid memories that demonstrated Turner’s unique blend of humility and grandeur.
Ranney shared a poignant experience from her first visit to Turner’s vast Flying D Ranch in Montana, which spans over 113,000 acres. “When we climbed up to a high ridge called Finnigans Ridge, he surveyed the land and with a sweeping hand, he said, ‘Darling, I own everything you see,’” she remembered. The imagery painted a picture of Turner not only as a wealthy man but as someone deeply connected to nature and his surroundings.
Reflecting on their relationship, Ranney characterised Turner as “wild and big and free,” underscoring his adventurous spirit. She spoke about his rare intellect and ability to anticipate challenges. “He had this uncanny ability to see around the corner and then around the block before breakfast,” she noted, describing what she referred to as his “360-degree vision.”
Despite his numerous successes, Ranney insisted that there was much more to Turner than his professional accomplishments. “He was a medicine man, a shaman of big ideas and good works, a seeker and a seer of the future,” she said, highlighting his perceptiveness and creative spirit from a young age. She revealed that Turner demonstrated artistic talents as a child, drawing bison and boats, a testament to his imaginative nature.
As Turner battled Lewy body dementia in recent years—a diagnosis he publicly shared in 2018—Ranney pointed out the resilience he maintained throughout his struggles. “He rarely complained,” she remarked, praising his graciousness, sense of humour, and unwavering integrity. “Everybody trusted Ted because you knew he was honest.”
Towards the end of her tribute, Ranney became particularly emotional as she recounted the most valuable lesson she learned from Turner during their 16 years together. Borrowing a metaphor, she stated, “Wasting time was like a cardinal sin. You don’t waste time. He taught me how precious time is, how to think more strategically.” Their shared journey as naturalists enriched her understanding of life and its fleeting nature.
She concluded her moving speech by encapsulating Turner’s approach to life: “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s with perfection.” Spirits lifted, she invited everyone to raise a glass in honour of Turner, celebrating his legacy of leadership, purpose-driven life, and love.
Sally Ann Ranney’s heartfelt remembrance of Turner has not only shed light on his softer side but has also left an indelible mark on those who attended the luncheon, encapsulating a life that exemplified authenticity, creativity, and deep connection to both nature and humanity.