Actress Jane Fonda has paid tribute to her ex-husband, CNN founder Ted Turner, in a heartfelt Instagram post following his death at age 87. Fonda, 88, described Turner as "a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate" who transformed her life.
A Transformative Relationship
Fonda reflected on their decade-long marriage from 1991 to 2001, noting that Turner "swept into my life, and I've never been the same." She emphasized how he cared for her and helped her believe in herself. "To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative. Ted Turner helped me believe in myself. He gave me confidence," she wrote.
She also highlighted Turner's vulnerability, which she considered his greatest strength. "Men like Ted aren't supposed to express need and vulnerability. That was Ted's greatest strength, I believe," Fonda added.
Lessons in Nature and Business
Fonda credited Turner with teaching her about nature and business. "He also taught me more than any other person or school classes, mostly about nature and wildlife, hunting and fishing," she said. She noted his strategic mind, honed by studying classics and sailing, which he applied successfully to his businesses.
"Ted was supremely strategic. He could see around corners for sure," Fonda wrote, praising his ability to think big and act small.
A Competitive Spirit
Fonda compared Turner's competitiveness to that of legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. "Next to Katharine Hepburn, Ted was the most competitive person I have ever met," she said. She described challenges ranging from ski runs to land stewardship, noting that while challenging, it was almost always worth it.
Environmental Legacy
Fonda envisioned Turner in heaven surrounded by wildlife he helped save, including black-footed ferrets, bison, and Mexican gray wolves. "They're all gathered at the pearly gates applauding and thanking him for saving their species," she wrote.
Tribute to His Children
Fonda also acknowledged Turner's five children, whom she was stepmother to for a decade. She described them as "talented, complex kids" and expressed her continued love for them. "If it was complicated to be married to him, think how complicated it was being his child. And they are all doing fine," she concluded.
Fonda and Turner began their relationship in 1990, shortly after her divorce from Tom Hayden. Despite their differences, they married in 1991 and remained amicable after their split, with Fonda calling Turner "my favourite ex-husband."
