A Tribute to a Complex and Extraordinary Man
Jane Fonda, the iconic Hollywood actress and activist, has shared heartfelt reflections on her late ex-husband, Ted Turner, following his passing. Turner, the founder of CNN and a renowned figure in media and business, passed away at the age of 87 on 6 May 2026. His death marked the end of a life that left an indelible mark on both the world of entertainment and environmental conservation.
In a statement released after his passing, Fonda described their relationship as “complicated,” but one that was deeply meaningful. Their marriage, which lasted for ten years, began on her birthday—21 December 1991—at a ranch in Florida near Tallahassee. The couple’s union was not without its challenges, yet they remained close even after their separation in 2000 and final divorce in 2001.
Fonda credited Turner with helping her grow as a person, particularly in terms of confidence and self-belief. She recalled how he once told her, “If you don’t use it, it closes up.” This sentiment resonated with her, and she reflected on how being needed and cared for by someone like Turner was transformative. “Men like Ted aren’t supposed to express need and vulnerability. That was Ted’s greatest strength, I believe,” she said.
A Legacy of Passion and Purpose
Turner was known for his competitive spirit, which Fonda described as rivaled only by Katharine Hepburn. Whether it was about who had made the most ski runs or owned the most land, Turner approached everything with intensity and drive. This competitiveness extended to his personal relationships, where he challenged those around him to think big and act small. As their friend Ron Olson once said, “Ted was a great teacher, often by example.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Turner was also a passionate advocate for the environment. Fonda highlighted how he helped save several native American species, including the black-footed ferret, the Mexican grey wolf, and the Yellowstone wolf pack. In her tribute, she imagined him in heaven, surrounded by the wildlife he worked so hard to protect.
A Deep Connection with Nature
One of the most profound aspects of Turner’s personality was his deep connection to nature. He taught Fonda about hunting, fishing, and the importance of responsible environmental stewardship. “Hunters and fishermen who follow the law are the best environmentalists,” he often said. This philosophy was rooted in his understanding of the natural world, which he studied extensively throughout his life.
Turner’s love for nature was matched only by his strategic mind. He was a master of business and planning, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. His ability to see “around corners” allowed him to build successful ventures, from CNN to Turner Classic Movies and beyond.
A Family of Complexity and Love
Fonda also spoke about her stepchildren, whom she described as “five talented, complex kids.” She acknowledged the challenges of being a stepmother to such a dynamic family, but emphasized the love and effort that went into building their relationships. “If it was complicated to be married to him, think how complicated it was being his child,” she wrote.
Despite the difficulties, Fonda expressed pride in the bond she formed with her stepchildren. She believed that being a stepmother was an important role, especially given her own experiences growing up with four stepmothers.
Final Words of Gratitude
In her closing remarks, Fonda offered a simple but powerful message: “Rest in Peace, dearest Ted. You are loved and you will be remembered.”
