Businessman and founder of CNN, Ted Turner unexpectedly passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. Apart from CNN, he was also the name behind news networks like TBS and TNT. For those unaware, he was one of the most influential names in the media. His demise has left the entire nation shocked. His passing has brought attention to his personal life.
Well, for those who do not know, Ted Turner had been married three times. Reportedly, he first got married to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964. Later, he tied the knot with Janie Smith; however, parted ways in 1988. In 1991, he found love in Jane Fonda and got married to her, only to separate in 2001. Amid Ted Turner’s death, if you are too curious to know about his dating life after three marriages, we’ve got you covered!
Ted Turner and Jane Fonda parted ways in 2001
Soon after parting ways with Jane Fonda, Ted Turner reportedly got into a relationship with Frederique D’Arragon. If reports are to be believed, they first met in 1969, and remained friends for a long time. It was around 2000, when their friendship turned into romance. Initially, Ted and Frederique kept their romance private; however, in 2003, they went public.
The duo made multiple public appearances as a couple and Ted once described her as a ‘constant companion’. However, reports suggest that Ted Turner and Frederique D’Arragon soon parted ways. It is worth noting that the exact reason behind their breakup is unknown. Later, both Ted and Frederique moved on with separate people.
Ted Turner was once in a relationship with a married woman
A few years after the breakup with Frederique D’Arragon, Ted Turner found love in an author, Elizabeth Dewberry. Their romance made a lot of headlines as Elizabeth was married to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Robert Olen Butler, at that time. According to a report by Nickiswift, their relationship began around 2007.
Later, Robert Olen, himself revealed that his wife was leaving him for Ted Turner. Reportedly, Robert had confirmed his divorce with Elizabeth through a mail, in which he also mentioned that there is no bad blood between them and they continue to remain on good terms. His mail could be read as:
“Put down your cup of coffee or you might spill it. Elizabeth is leaving me for Ted Turner. I was able to help her a great deal. She says I saved her life.”
Later, Robert Olen also took an indirect dig at his wife, Elizabeth’s relationship with Ted Turner. He stated that the author is not the only girlfriend of the late businessman. He explained, “She will not be Ted’s only girlfriend. Ted is permanently and avowedly non-monogamous.” He also mentioned that Elizabeth would spend very limited time with Ted and the rest she would live alone. This grabbed a lot of attention on social media.
Ted Turner once opened up about having four girlfriends
Ted Turner’s personal life has often made headlines. It was in 2012, when Ted Turner dominated the headlines by revealing that he was seeing four women at the same time. During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he admitted the same and shared that each of his girlfriends spent about one week per month with him. He called this the ‘general rule’.
Further, when he was asked if all his four girlfriends are happy sharing him, the founder of CNN replied, “Sort of.” Later, during an interview with journalist, Piers Morgan, Ted Turner revealed that he manages multiple relationships with “great difficulty.” If reports are to be believed, one of his girlfriends at this time was Elizabeth Dewberry. During the same conversation with Piers Morgan, Ted Turner shared that some of his girlfriends have a good bond with each other.
Ted Turner’s tragic death
Ted Turner tragically passed away at the age of 87 on May 6, 2026. While the cause of his death has not been announced, reports claim that the founder of CNN had been living with a serious brain disorder called Lewy body dementia since 2018. For those unaware, the condition is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. According to a report by The Guardian, in 2025, Ted Turner was hospitalised due to pneumonia.
What are your thoughts on Ted Turner’s dating life after his divorce with Jane Fonda? Let us know.
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