Hollywood icon Jane Fonda is opening up about the profound impact her ex-husband, Ted Turner, had on her life following the media titan’s death at age 87.
Turner, the founder of CNN and a longtime philanthropist, died peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by family, according to Turner Enterprises.
Shortly after news of his passing broke, Fonda shared a deeply personal tribute honoring the man she once described as one of the most important relationships of her life.
Jane Fonda Calls Late Ex Ted Turner a ‘Gloriously Handsome’ Pirate in Tribute
“My immediate thoughts about Ted,” she began. “He swept into my life, a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate and I’ve never been the same.”
The Oscar winner reflected on the emotional connection they shared during their marriage, revealing that Turner made her feel valued and needed in a way she had never experienced before.
“He needed me. No one had ever let me know they needed me,” she wrote. “To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative.”
Fonda Says Turner Helped Her Believe in Herself
GettyFonda also credited Turner with helping her gain confidence during a pivotal chapter of her life.
“He gave me confidence,” she shared. “I think I did the same for him.”
The actress praised Turner’s willingness to show vulnerability despite his larger-than-life reputation as a businessman and media visionary.
“Men like Ted aren’t supposed to express need and vulnerability,” she wrote. “That was Ted’s greatest strength, I believe.”
Fonda described the CNN founder as fiercely intelligent, highly strategic and endlessly curious. She said he taught her about everything from business and leadership to conservation and wildlife preservation.
“He could see around corners for sure,” she wrote while reflecting on his instinctive understanding of strategy.
Ted Turner’s Passion for Wildlife Left a Lasting Mark
GettyMuch of Fonda’s tribute focused on Turner’s lifelong commitment to environmental causes and animal conservation.
She recalled how deeply he cared about protecting endangered species and preserving land across the country.
“I loved Ted with all my heart,” she wrote. “I see him in heaven now with all the wildlife he helped bring back from extinction.”
Fonda specifically mentioned black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs, bison and wolves among the many species Turner worked to protect during his lifetime.
She also remembered advice from their friend Ron Olson, who once said Turner inspired people “to think big and act small.”
For Fonda, that influence extended into her own life. She revealed that after meeting Turner, she began picking up trash during walks because of the habits he modeled.
Jane Fonda Remembers Their Blended Family and Legacy
Fonda and Turner were married from 1991 to 2001. During their relationship, she became stepmother to his five children, something she said remained meaningful long after their marriage ended.
“Five children survive him, five talented, complex kids who I had the privilege of becoming stepmother to,” she wrote.
Fonda acknowledged that life with Turner could be complicated, but she said their bond and extended family remained rooted in love.
“If it was complicated to be married to him, think how complicated it was being his child,” she shared. “And they are all doing fine.”
She ended the tribute with a heartfelt farewell to the man who changed her life forever.
“Rest in Peace, dearest Ted,” she wrote. “You are loved and you will be remembered.”
