Jane Fonda paid a moving tribute to her ex-husband Ted Turner, describing the billionaire CNN founder as a “swaggering pirate” after his death at the age of 87.
Turner, the visionary media mogul who transformed the global media landscape, died Wednesday.
Although the precise cause of death was not confirmed, it was well known that he suffered from Lewy body dementia in his later years.
Fonda, who was married to Turner for a decade until 2001, shared her “immediate thoughts” on social media, reflecting on a man she admired for both his brilliant mind and unexpected vulnerability.
The 88-year-old actress admitted that Turner completely changed his life when he “dive into it,” noting that being both needed and cared for by such a powerful figure was a transformative experience.
She credited the creator of Turner Classic Movies with giving her a new sense of confidence, while teaching her everything from business strategy to the intricacies of wildlife and nature.
Fonda fondly recalled his intense competitiveness, noting that he was the only person who could rival Katharine Hepburn at it, whether it was counting ski slopes or discussing the vast tracts of land he managed.
Turner’s legacy as a broadcasting “giant” has been echoed by current industry leaders, including CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson, who called him the network’s “presiding spirit.”
Beyond the boardroom, Fonda highlighted Turner’s softer side, suggesting that his greatest strength was actually his ability to show need, a trait not often expected of men in his position.
She spoke warmly of her five children, whom she had the privilege of mothering as a stepmother, acknowledging that although being married to such a complex man was a challenge, it was always worth it.
Fonda ended her tribute with a poignant shot of Turner at the Pearly Gates, applauded by the many endangered species, from bison to Mexican gray wolves, that his conservation efforts helped save from extinction.
