Ted Turner, the pioneering founder of CNN and philanthropist, passed away today, May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by Turner Enterprises, noting that he died surrounded by family. Turner had been living with Lewy body dementia since 2018 meaning he no longer remembered that he was billionaire.

I remember back in the nineties when I worked as a cook inside the CNN Center for sports announcer Craig Sager.

Ted Turner: The Spiritual Divide with Jane Fonda

The tension regarding Turner’s spiritual life was a defining aspect of his high-profile marriage to Jane Fonda (1991–2001). Fonda has famously stated that her conversion to evangelical Christianity was a primary catalyst for their divorce.

• The Private Conversion: Fonda sought a deeper spiritual connection toward the end of their marriage, attending Bible studies in secret. She later explained in her autobiography, My Life So Far, that she didn’t tell Turner because she feared he would “bully her out of it” or force her to choose between him and her faith.
• Turner’s Public Skepticism: At the time, Turner was a vocal critic of organized religion, once famously dismissing Christianity as being “for losers.” Fonda noted that his intense personality made it difficult for her to maintain her “parallel inner life” while married to him.
• Concerns for His Soul: Despite their split, Fonda remained a close friend and often spoke about Turner’s spiritual path. She once humorously—yet sincerely—remarked that she believed Turner was a “shoo-in for heaven” despite his lack of traditional faith.
  
  Her reasoning was rooted in his immense philanthropy and environmental stewardship, suggesting that his “good works,” such as saving the bison and his massive donations to the UN, could save him.

Ted Turner: Cultural Footprint

• Media Revolution: He transformed news into a 24-hour cycle by launching CNN in 1980.
• Philanthropy: In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, a move that encouraged other billionaires toward aggressive global giving.
• Conservation: As one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., he was instrumental in bringing the American bison back from the brink of extinction.

Sources:

The following sources detail the life and passing of Ted Turner, specifically regarding his media legacy, his spiritual life with Jane Fonda, and his final health battle.

Ted Turner’s Passing (May 6, 2026)

• Turner Enterprises Official Announcement:Ted Turner Passes at 87
  • Details his death in Tallahassee and his legacy in conservation and media.
• Washington Post:Ted Turner, cable TV visionary who created CNN, dies at 87
  • Includes confirmation of his death and history with Lewy body dementia.

Jane Fonda and Spiritual Life

• JaneFonda.com:About My Faith (Personal Blog)
  • Fonda’s firsthand account of her conversion at the end of her marriage to Turner and her struggle with religious literalism.
• New Georgia Encyclopedia:Jane Fonda Biography
  • Context on her marriage to Turner and her philanthropic work in Atlanta.
• My Life So Far (Memoir):Google Books Reference
  • Fonda’s autobiography where she details the “parallel inner life” she led and her fears of Turner’s reaction to her faith.

Philanthropy and Conservation

• UN Foundation:The $1 Billion Pledge
  • Official record of Turner’s 1997 gift to the United Nations.
• University of Georgia Law:A Billion Dollar Donation Analysis
  • Scholarly review of the impact and logistics of Turner’s historic philanthropy.

Medical Background

Covers his 2018 announcement of Lewy body dementia and how it affected his final years.

Men’s Journal:Ted Turner’s Cause of Death & Diagnosis