Jane Fonda Breaks Silence on Ex-Husband Ted Turner’s Death With Emotional Tribute

Hollywood Icon Jane Fonda is mourning the loss of her ex-husband Ted Turner with a deeply personal tribute.

Following news of Turner’s death at age 87, Fonda shared a lengthy statement on Instagram on Wednesday, May 6, remembering the CNN founder as a larger-than-life figure who changed her forever.

“He swept into my life, a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate and I’ve never been the same,” the Our Souls at Night star wrote.

The actress described Turner as both brilliant and emotionally vulnerable, saying their relationship transformed her life in unexpected ways.

“He needed me. No one had ever let me know they needed me,” she shared. “To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative.”

Fonda reflected on the impact Turner had on her personal growth during their marriage from 1991 to 2001. “He gave me confidence,” she wrote. “I think I did the same for him.”

Fonda also praised Turner’s adventurous spirit, recalling his accomplishments in business and sailing.

“Ted was supremely strategic,” she wrote, adding that he could “see around corners for sure.”

The Oscar winner also shared that Turner taught her about wildlife conservation, nature and environmental responsibility over the years.

Fonda’s emotional message highlighted Turner’s dedication to protecting endangered species and preserving wildlife habitats.

“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 – the black-footed ferrets, the prairie dogs, the big-horned sheep, Mexican Gray Wolf, the Yellowstone wolf pack, bison, the red-cockaded woodpecker, and so many more, they’re all gathered at the pearly gates applauding and thanking him for saving their species.”

Fonda also remembered advice from their late friend Ron Olson, who once said Turner encouraged those around him to “think big and act small.”

Fonda concluded her tear-jerking tribute, mentioning Turner’s five children and the blended family they built together.

“Five children survive him, five talented, complex kids who I had the privilege of becoming stepmother to,” she wrote.

The actress also added that even though they parted ways, their love never faded.

Fonda closed the emotional tribute with one final farewell: “Rest in Peace, dearest Ted. You are loved and you will be remembered.”

Turner, the trailblazing media mogul and philanthropist who founded CNN, died peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by family, according to a statement published by CNN. He was 87.