**Bon Jovi Gears Up for ‘Forever’ Tour Amid Personal Milestones**
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Renowned rock band Bon Jovi is set to embark on their highly anticipated ‘Forever’ tour starting July 7 in New York City. The tour comes during a particularly celebratory time for the band’s frontman, Jon Bon Jovi, who recently marked 37 years of marriage with his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, in April.
In an exclusive interview for the latest issue of *PEOPLE*, Bon Jovi reflects on his long-standing partnership with Dorothea, stating, “It’s 37 years now and together 46. It’s a long time!” The couple wed on April 29, 1989, and now share four children: Stephanie, 33, Jesse, 31, Jake, 24, and Romeo, 22. Dorothea has remained a steadfast support for Jon throughout various phases of his career, from the band’s meteoric rise following the release of the landmark album *Slippery When Wet* in 1986 to overcoming his vocal cord issues in 2022.
The couple’s bond has weathered numerous challenges, including a difficult period when Jon faced vocal strain. Dorothea played a crucial role in urging him to seek treatment, a decision that ultimately led to a successful vocal cord medialisation. This spring, after hearing him perform during a rehearsal, Dorothea complimented his improved voice, saying, “It’s so damn good that people are going to think you recorded it.” Such honesty is typical of their relationship, as Jon acknowledges, “That’s the girl who told me the truth and said, ‘It’s not good.’”
In addition to their personal accomplishments, the Bongiovis are dedicated advocates for social causes. The couple co-founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006, a charity that operates community restaurants known as JBJ Soul Kitchens. Most recently, the foundation received a James Beard Foundation Impact Award for its work. “Giving back was always important, but doing it through food… you didn’t need a scientist to find the cure,” Jon remarked, highlighting Dorothea’s visionary role in establishing the restaurant model.
With the successful operation of four JBJ Soul Kitchens and plans for a fifth, the foundation aims to provide not just meals but also critical support services like housing and job assistance. Jon shared, “Forty-five people were expunged with their criminal records because of the Soul Kitchen. We’re getting them housing and jobs.” Their goal is to help empower others, though Jon jokes that Dorothea’s “great dream is that we’ll go out of business,” acknowledging the ongoing need for such services.
Adding to their family joys, Bon Jovi became a grandfather twice over in the past year. His son Jake, alongside *Stranger Things* actress Millie Bobby Brown, recently adopted a baby girl, while his eldest son Jesse and his wife welcomed a daughter in November. Embracing his new role, Jon affectionately refers to himself as “Papa Jon,” expressing his joy in being a grandfather. “Papa’s a giddy, goofy grandfather,” he says, delighting in his growing family.
As the ‘Forever’ tour approaches, Jon Bon Jovi has been enjoying quality time with his family, particularly as he adjusts to the empty-nester phase. Reflecting on this new chapter of life, he remarks on the challenges of staying connected with children who now have their own lives and schedules. “You’re no longer the boss of anything, but you get them together when you can,” he says, cherishing every opportunity to be together.
For fans eager to learn more about Jon Bon Jovi’s life and upcoming tour, the full interview is featured in the latest issue of *PEOPLE*, which hits newsstands this Friday. As Bon Jovi prepares to hit the road, there’s no doubt that his dedicated fans are just as excited about the tour as they are about the personal insights shared by the iconic rock star.