Jane Fonda she mourns her late ex-husband Ted Turner.
“He came into my life, a handsome, deeply in love criminal, and I’ve never been the same,” the 88-year-old actor wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, May 6, following the news of his death.
Fonda continued, “He needed me. No one would let me know he needed me, and this wasn’t your average guy who needed me, this was the creator of CNN, and Turner Classic Movies, who had won the America’s Cup as the world’s greatest sailor. He had a great life, a brilliant mind and a growing sense of humor.”
Fonda remembers how Turner also “took care” of her in a way she didn’t realize she needed. (This former couple was married from 1991 to 2001.)
Ted Turner helped me believe in myself and gave me confidence. “I think I did the same to him, but that’s what women are raised to do. Men like Ted shouldn’t show need and vulnerability. That was Ted’s greatest strength, I believe.”
Fonda reflected on Turner’s expertise in a wide range of areas including the environment and business, which made him stand out as a media professional, philanthropist and conservationist.
“Ted was highly strategic. It was probably natural, but he studied Classics in college, knew the Peloponnesian War inside and out and the tactics used by Alexander the Great and even Genghis Khan,” he wrote. “And sailing big boats as he continued to hone those skills that brought him great success in his businesses. He could see around corners for sure.”
Some of Fonda’s fondest memories with Turner, who she previously referred to as her “beloved ex-husband,” stemmed from her “competitive” nature.
“Next to Katharine Hepburn, Ted was the most competitive person I’ve ever met and it was a pleasure to preach,” he said. “Whoever did the most ski runs at the end of the day, acres of land (manager is the most appropriate name for his relationship with the world), who had many billions, how many countries he fell in love with his ex and I can match that, it was a challenge. Ted had a challenge, but I always met it, and I was up for the challenge.”
While Fonda and Turner were married for ten years, she remained in love with the CNN founder even after their separation. (Fonda was also married before Tom Hayden again Roger Vadim.)
“I loved Ted with all my heart,” she thought. “I see him in heaven now with all the wild animals we helped bring back from extinction – black footed ferrets, prairie dogs, Big Horned sheep, Mexican Gray Wolf, Yellowstone wolf pack, bison, red woodpecker and many others, all gathered at the pearly gates applauding and thanking him.”
Fonda also talked about Turner’s five “talented” children, Laura, Teddy, Beau, Rhett and Jennie.
“I had four stepmothers growing up and I know how important stepparents can be,” he said. “So we all did our best to create a rag tag family, and I love it to this day. If it was hard to marry him, imagine how hard it was to be his child. And they all got along.”
“Rest in Peace, dear Ted. You are loved and will be missed,” he concluded.
On Wednesday news broke that Turner had died at the age of 87.
“Ted was a highly engaged and dedicated leader, courageous, fearless and always willing to stand up for his vision,” CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson said in a statement. “He was and always will be the guiding spirit of CNN.”
Although the official cause of death has not been released, Turner battled Lewy body dementia before his death.
