Ted Turner became one of the most influential figures in television history after launching CNN in 1980 and helping pioneer the concept of 24-hour news. Over the decades, the media mogul expanded his empire with networks like TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network while also becoming known for his ownership of major sports teams, high-profile marriage to Jane Fonda and massive philanthropic efforts.
In May 2026, Turner died surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. He was 87.
Learn more about Turner and his life below.
Ted Turner Founded CNN
Turner launched CNN in 1980, creating the world’s first 24-hour cable news network. At the time, many critics believed people would not watch news around the clock, but CNN went on to completely transform the television industry and the way global audiences consumed breaking news.
The network became especially influential during major world events like the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Challenger disaster. Turner later expanded his media empire with networks including TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network.
Ted Turner Owned Multiple Sports Teams
Beyond television, Turner was heavily involved in sports ownership. He owned the MLB’s Atlanta Braves and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, helping raise both franchises’ national profiles during the 1970s and 1980s.
Turner was also involved in professional wrestling through World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and helped launch the Goodwill Games as an international athletic competition during the Cold War era.
Ted Turner Was Once Married to Jane Fonda
Turner was married to actress and activist Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. Their relationship became one of Hollywood’s most high-profile marriages during the 1990s. Although they eventually divorced, Fonda continued speaking warmly about Turner in the years afterward and once referred to him as her “favorite ex-husband.”
Ted Turner Revealed His Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosis in 2018
In 2018, Turner publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder that shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Turner explained that the condition caused fatigue, forgetfulness and other health struggles. In his later years, he largely stepped away from public life as he dealt with the disease.
Ted Turner Had Five Children and Multiple Grandchildren
Turner was the father of five children and, by the time of his death, also had 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Several of his children became involved in environmental and philanthropic work, including his daughter Laura Turner Seydel, who has continued many of her father’s conservation efforts.
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