Jane Fonda is remembering her ex-husband and CNN founder, Ted Turner, following the news of his death on Wednesday.
The legendary actress shared an emotional tribute reflecting on their years together, revisiting the powerful bond they built during their decade-long marriage.
Her heartfelt message painted a deeply personal portrait of the media mogul behind the empire, fame, and public image.
Jane Fonda described Ted Turner as someone who completely altered the direction of her life from the moment he entered it. In an emotional Instagram tribute, the actress recalled being swept away by his charm, confidence, and larger-than-life personality.
She wrote that Turner arrived in her world as a “gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate,” adding that she had “never been the same” afterward.
Fonda explained that one of the most transformative parts of their relationship was feeling genuinely needed by someone she admired so deeply. She noted that Turner openly depended on her emotionally while also making her feel protected and cared for at the same time.
According to Fonda, that balance changed her life and helped her build confidence in herself. She believed she also gave him emotional support in return, especially because Turner was willing to express vulnerability in ways many powerful men avoid.
She called that openness one of his greatest strengths.
Ted Turner Left Lasting Lessons Beyond Hollywood
Jane Fonda also reflected on the many lessons Ted Turner taught her during their marriage. While much of the public knew him as the founder of CNN and Turner Classic Movies, she remembered him as someone deeply connected to nature, strategy, and curiosity.
Fonda explained that Turner taught her about wildlife conservation, business, hunting, fishing, and the environment. She pointed out that he believed responsible hunters and fishermen often became strong environmentalists because of their respect for nature.
She also described Turner as intensely strategic, recalling how his studies of historical warfare and world leaders shaped the way he approached business and competition.
According to Fonda, Turner carefully studied the Peloponnesian War and admired the tactics used by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. His years sailing massive boats sharpened those instincts even further and helped him build his media empire.
She said he possessed an extraordinary ability to anticipate problems before others even saw them coming.
Fonda Reveals Turner’s Competitive Side
Beyond his intelligence and business success, Jane Fonda admitted Ted Turner could also be incredibly competitive.
She compared his drive to that of Katharine Hepburn, saying the pair were the two most competitive people she had ever encountered.
Fonda remembered how Turner turned nearly everything into a challenge, whether it involved skiing, business success, land ownership, or even stories about past romances. Despite the intensity, she admitted she often enjoyed the challenge because life with Turner rarely felt ordinary.
She also shared a story from family friend Ron Olson, who described Turner as someone who inspired people to “think big” while still paying attention to small acts that mattered.
Fonda recalled that Turner once asked her to help draft a resolution calling for a ban on nuclear weapons through the United Nations and the U.S. Congress.
At the same time, she said he encouraged simple habits like picking up trash on walks, something she continued to do long after their marriage ended.
Turner’s Conservation Legacy Meant Everything To Fonda
One of the most emotional parts of Jane Fonda’s tribute centered on Ted Turner’s environmental work.
The actress said she imagines Turner arriving in heaven surrounded by the many species he helped protect from extinction over the years.
She listed several animals connected to his conservation efforts, including black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs, bison, bighorn sheep, Mexican gray wolves, Yellowstone wolves, and red-cockaded woodpeckers.
Fonda painted a vivid image of those animals gathering at “the pearly gates applauding and thanking him for saving their species.”
Jane Fonda Says Ted Turner Will Never Be Forgotten
Jane Fonda ended her message by focusing on the family Ted Turner leaves behind.
Turner is survived by five children from his previous marriages, and Fonda described them as “talented” and “complex.” She reflected on becoming their stepmother after marrying Turner in 1991 and acknowledged how difficult life inside such a high-profile family could sometimes become.
Because she herself grew up with multiple stepmothers, Fonda explained that she understood how important those relationships could be. She said they all worked hard to create a loving extended family despite the complications that sometimes came with Turner’s larger-than-life personality.
The actress admitted that if marriage to Turner could be complicated, being his child likely came with even greater challenges.
Still, she said his children are doing well today.
Fonda closed the emotional tribute with one final message to the man she remained deeply connected to long after their marriage ended.
“Rest in Peace, dearest Ted,” she wrote. “You are loved and you will be remembered.”
