Jane Fonda Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Ted Turner: “I Loved Ted Deeply”
Jane Fonda has shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to her ex-husband, Ted Turner, who passed away at the age of 87 on Wednesday.
Fonda expressed her deep affection for Turner, stating, “I loved Ted with all my heart.” She introduced her statement with, “My immediate thoughts about Ted,” recalling how he entered her life like a “gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate.” She emphasized his need for her and the significant impact he had on her life.
Reflecting on their time together, Fonda described Turner as the most competitive person she ever met, alongside Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn. During a conversation last week at the TCM Classic Film Festival, Fonda remarked to host Ben Mankiewicz, “My favorite ex-husband created Turner Classic Movies — that was Ted Turner.” She reminisced about their first date, where he passionately shared his vision for the iconic film network.
Mankiewicz posed a thought-provoking question regarding the relevance of TCM in today’s media landscape. Fonda responded, “We need to know what it used to be like. We need to know what the greats were like.” She recalled a young girl who, despite coming from a disadvantaged background, learned manners and behavior by watching Turner Classic Movies.
Fonda and Turner were married from 1991 to 2001 but maintained a friendship in the years that followed.
In her full tribute, Fonda described Turner as transformative in her life, stating, “To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative.” She acknowledged his role in boosting her self-esteem and highlighted how he taught her about nature, business, and strategy.
Fonda also noted Turner’s remarkable competitiveness, citing their various challenges, from skiing to business endeavors. She recalled his encouragement to think big and act small, sharing a personal anecdote about picking up trash during walks, a habit she developed after meeting him.
She concluded her tribute with a moving vision of Turner in the afterlife, surrounded by the wildlife he worked tirelessly to save, and extended her love to his five children. “Rest in Peace, dearest Ted. You are loved and you will be remembered,” she wrote.
The post reflects not only Fonda’s personal loss but also the legacy of a man who made significant contributions to the media and conservation fields.
