Jane Fonda’s Heartfelt Goodbye to Ted Turner: “He Swept Into My Life… And I’ve Never Been the Same” A love that outlasted marriage, fame, and time — the Oscar winner pays tribute to her “favorite ex-husband” after his passing at 87.

On May 6, 2026, media visionary and CNN founder Ted Turner passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family at his home in Florida. While the world remembered him as the bold entrepreneur who revolutionized 24-hour news, built a media empire, and championed environmental causes, Jane Fonda chose to honor a different side of the man she once called her husband.

In a deeply personal Instagram tribute posted shortly after the news broke, the 88-year-old actress and activist opened her heart. She didn’t dwell on Turner’s billions, his America’s Cup victory, or his groundbreaking creation of CNN and Turner Classic Movies. Instead, she spoke of the man who swept into her life like “a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate” — and changed her forever.

A Transformative Love
“He needed me,” Fonda wrote. “No one had ever let me know they needed me, and this wasn’t your average human being that needed me.” She described how their connection was mutual: he cared for her while allowing her to feel truly essential in his life. “To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative,” she reflected. “Ted Turner helped me believe in myself. He gave me confidence.”

The couple was married for a decade, from 1991 to 2001. Their relationship was passionate, high-profile, and at times challenging — a union between two larger-than-life personalities. Yet even after their divorce, the bond endured. Fonda has often referred to Turner as her “favorite ex-husband,” and the two remained on warm terms for years.

Just months before his death, while appearing at the TCM Classic Film Festival, Fonda became emotional when speaking about him. “Ted’s not here,” she said through tears, “but he is here in my heart.” Her recent tribute echoed that sentiment, ending with love and gratitude: “I loved Ted with all my heart… Rest in Peace, dearest Ted. You are loved and you will be remembered.”

Beyond the Headlines
Ted Turner’s legacy is immense: he pioneered cable news, owned the Atlanta Braves, donated vast lands for conservation, and helped save numerous endangered species. Fonda honored that side of him too, imagining him in heaven greeted by the wildlife he protected — from bison to wolves and black-footed ferrets.

But her words resonated most because they revealed the deeply human core of their story. In a world that often celebrates power and achievement, Fonda reminded us of the quiet power of being truly seen, needed, and loved.

Their romance proved that some connections transcend legal papers and passing years. The marriage ended, but the affection, respect, and mutual growth never did.

What do you think — can a love truly outlast marriage and decades apart? Many who read Fonda’s tribute believe the answer is yes. Their story stands as a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful relationships often continue to shape us long after they change form.