Maya Kensington
Media mogul Ted Turner established one of the most powerful broadcasting empires in history, yet it is his personal life that also captured extensive media attention over the decades. The founder of CNN, who passed away in May 2026 at the age of 87, experienced three marriages throughout his life, including a notably public relationship with actress and activist Jane Fonda. This multifaceted life reveals the complexities of a man whose professional achievements were often overshadowed by his romantic entanglements.
Explore the intriguing details of Ted Turner’s ex-wives and relationships, spanning from his early marriages before achieving fame to his significant Hollywood romance with Fonda. Each relationship contributed uniquely to the narrative of his life, illustrating how personal connections intertwined with professional milestones. Discover the nuances of these partnerships and how they shaped Turner’s legacy.
Discovering Ted Turner’s First Marriage to Julia “Judy” Gale Nye
Turner’s first wife was Julia “Judy” Gale Nye, a significant figure in his early life whom he met while attending Brown University in 1959. Their romance blossomed, leading to their marriage on June 22, 1960, at St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church in Chicago. This union marked the beginning of Turner’s journey into family life, a contrast to his future career in the media world.
Judy was the daughter of champion sailor Harry Gale Nye Jr., and together they welcomed two children into the world: daughter Laura, born in 1961, and son Robert “Teddy” Edward IV, born in 1963. However, their marriage faced challenges and ultimately ended in divorce in 1964, just before Turner achieved national recognition in the media industry. This early chapter of his life is essential in understanding the man he would become.
Understanding Ted Turner’s Second Marriage to Jane Shirley Smith
Shortly after his divorce from Judy, Turner entered into a new chapter of his life by marrying Jane Shirley Smith on June 2, 1964. Reports suggest that Smith worked as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, and it is believed that they first met at a Young Republicans meeting. This marriage marked a significant turning point in Turner’s life, as it coincided with the growth of his career.
During their more than two decades together, they welcomed three children into their family: Rhett, Beau, and Sarah Jean “Jennie” Turner. Their son Rhett was notably named after Rhett Butler from the classic novel Gone With the Wind, a title Turner often referenced due to his deep admiration for the film. While married to Smith, Turner dramatically transformed his father’s billboard business into a thriving broadcasting empire, culminating in the launch of CNN in 1980. The couple eventually divorced in 1988, marking the end of a significant era in Turner’s life.
What Made Ted Turner’s Marriage to Jane Fonda So Notable?
Turner’s most renowned marriage was undoubtedly to actress and activist Jane Fonda. The couple began their romantic relationship in 1990, shortly after Fonda separated from her second husband, Tom Hayden. They exchanged vows on December 21, 1991, which coincidentally was Fonda’s 54th birthday, at Turner’s expansive 8,100-acre plantation in Florida. This marriage not only captured media attention but also symbolized a union between two influential figures.
Throughout the 1990s, Turner and Fonda became one of Hollywood’s most prominent couples, frequently appearing together at high-profile charity events and political functions. Fonda later disclosed that she chose to step away from acting during their marriage, believing their bond would endure indefinitely. This decision reflected her commitment to their relationship and the transformative period they shared together.
Despite their separation in 2000 and the finalization of their divorce in 2001, Turner and Fonda maintained a close friendship afterward. Turner once referred to Fonda as “probably” the love of his life, while she fondly called him her “favorite ex-husband.” In various interviews, she reflected on their time together with warmth, stating that she would “never love anyone” the way she loved Turner. Their relationship remains a poignant chapter in both their lives, illustrating the complexities of love and partnership.
Tessa Everly
Ivy Caldwell
