Actress Jane Fonda shared a tribute on Instagram following the death of her ex-husband and CNN founder Ted Turner [1].
The death of Turner marks the end of an era for global media. As the creator of the first 24-hour news network, Turner altered how the world consumes information in real time.
Turner died on Wednesday [1] surrounded by his family [1]. He was 87 years old [1]. Following the news, Fonda posted an essay addressed to "Dearest Ted" [3], reflecting on their complex relationship and his lasting impact on the world.
Fonda and Turner were married from 1991 to 2001 [2]. Despite their divorce, the two maintained a cordial and affectionate bond over the following decades. In her social media post, Fonda said Turner was her "favorite ex-husband" [2].
Beyond his role in news, Turner's influence extended to the preservation of cinema. Fonda said that the creation of Turner Classic Movies was one of the great things he did [4]. This effort ensured that thousands of early films remained accessible to modern audiences.
The tribute highlights a rare instance of lasting friendship between former spouses in the public eye. Fonda's words focused on Turner's personality and his professional achievements, describing him as "gloriously handsome" [2] while acknowledging the scale of his contributions to media and philanthropy.
Turner's legacy remains tied to the aggressive growth of CNN and his willingness to disrupt traditional broadcasting. His death comes as a moment of reflection for the industry he helped build, characterized by the same boldness he displayed throughout his life.
“He was my favorite ex-husband.”
The death of Ted Turner removes one of the most influential figures in the history of journalism and media. By establishing CNN, he transitioned the world into a cycle of constant news updates, a model that paved the way for the digital news era and the current 24-hour social media cycle. His influence on the industry is as significant as his personal ties to cultural icons like Jane Fonda.
