Jane Fonda paid a moving tribute to her ex-husband Ted Turner, describing the billionaire cnn founder as a “swashbuckling pirate” following his death at the age of 87.
Turner, the visionary media mogul who transformed the global news landscape, died Wednesday.
While a specific cause of death was not confirmed, it was well known that he had lived with 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 his unexpected vulnerability.
The 88-year-old actress admitted that Turner completely changed her life when she “crawled” into it, noting that being needed and cared for by such a powerful figure was a transformative experience.
She credited the creator of Turner Classic Movies for giving her a new sense of confidence, while also teaching her about everything from business strategy to the intricacies of wildlife and nature.
Fonda fondly recalled her intense competitiveness, noting that she was the only person who could rival Katharine Hepburn in that department, whether counting ski slopes or discussing the vast tracts of land she managed.
Turner’s legacy as a broadcasting “giant” was 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 neediness, a trait not typically expected of men in his position.
She spoke warmly of her five children, whom she had the privilege of caring for as a stepmother, and acknowledged that while being married to such a complex man was a challenge, it was always worth it.
Fonda ended her tribute with a touching photo of Turner at the pearly gates, being applauded by many endangered species, from bison to Mexican gray wolves, that her conservation efforts helped save from extinction.
