Ted Turner and Jane Fonda relationship after divorce
Ted Turner and Jane Fonda relationship: Not every high-profile breakup ends in bitterness. For CNN founder Ted Turner and actress Jane Fonda, the end of their marriage marked the beginning of a different kind of relationship, one built on respect, shared history, and lingering warmth.
They came from very different worlds, Turner, a brash billionaire businessman, and Fonda, a Hollywood icon known for her outspoken views, and yet she found him funny, lovable, and complex, someone who could match her energy, as per a People report.
Fonda later shared in her memoir, My Life So Far, how deeply connected they were at times, sharing laughter and intimacy that defined their relationship.
In 2000, they announced they were taking time apart. By April 2001, Fonda filed for divorce, describing the marriage as “irretrievably broken,” as quoted in the report.
Even then, the tone between them stayed calm and respectful, something that defined their relationship moving forward.
Shortly after their split, Fonda greeted Turner at a charity event with a smile, calling him her “favorite ex-husband,” as per the People report. Years later, she still spoke kindly of him, in 2008, she said, "I still have a very good relationship [with him],” adding, "Life is too short to be fighting,” as quoted by People report.
Speaking in 2025, Fonda became emotional while reflecting on Turner’s support, saying the organization would not have existed without him. Even in his absence, she said he remained present in her heart.
Fonda said at that time, "It was a very challenging time in Georgia. Had I not been with Ted, this was something, had he not stood by me with his love and support, we never would have survived," adding, "Ted's not here, but he is here in my heart and I know he is here in a lot of our hearts," as quoted by People.
He was a media billionaire, founder of CNN, and a well-known environmentalist.
How did Ted Turner die?
The exact cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, but he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018.
Did Ted Turner Die? Latest Updates on Ted Turner Death
Turner, who died on May 6 at 87 after a 2018 diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, had been married to Fonda from 1991 to 2001, as per a report. Even after their split, their bond didn’t disappear.How Ted Turner and Jane Fonda’s Relationship Began
Their relationship began in 1990, shortly after Fonda’s separation from Tom Hayden. Turner, true to his bold nature, called her directly to ask if she was open to dating.They came from very different worlds, Turner, a brash billionaire businessman, and Fonda, a Hollywood icon known for her outspoken views, and yet she found him funny, lovable, and complex, someone who could match her energy, as per a People report.
Ted Turner Wife: A Look at His Marriages and Personal Life
The couple married in 1991 and blended their families, building a life together that included both joyful and difficult moments.Fonda later shared in her memoir, My Life So Far, how deeply connected they were at times, sharing laughter and intimacy that defined their relationship.
Why Jane Fonda and Ted Turner Chose to Separate
But challenges surfaced early. She said she discovered his infidelity just a month into their marriage. Over time, differences, including her decision to become a Christian, created distance between them, as per the People report.In 2000, they announced they were taking time apart. By April 2001, Fonda filed for divorce, describing the marriage as “irretrievably broken,” as quoted in the report.
Even then, the tone between them stayed calm and respectful, something that defined their relationship moving forward.
Jane Fonda Calls Ted Turner her “Favorite Ex-Husband”: A Rare Post-Divorce Dynamic
What makes their story stand out is what happened after the divorce. Instead of resentment, there was warmth.Shortly after their split, Fonda greeted Turner at a charity event with a smile, calling him her “favorite ex-husband,” as per the People report. Years later, she still spoke kindly of him, in 2008, she said, "I still have a very good relationship [with him],” adding, "Life is too short to be fighting,” as quoted by People report.
How They Maintained a Strong Relationship Over the Years
Their connection didn’t end with marriage, it continued through the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential, a charity they founded together in 1995.Speaking in 2025, Fonda became emotional while reflecting on Turner’s support, saying the organization would not have existed without him. Even in his absence, she said he remained present in her heart.
Fonda said at that time, "It was a very challenging time in Georgia. Had I not been with Ted, this was something, had he not stood by me with his love and support, we never would have survived," adding, "Ted's not here, but he is here in my heart and I know he is here in a lot of our hearts," as quoted by People.
FAQs
Who was Ted Turner?He was a media billionaire, founder of CNN, and a well-known environmentalist.
How did Ted Turner die?
The exact cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, but he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018.
