Ted Turner, the popular business mogul who founded CNN and Turner Broadcasting System, passed away on May 6, 2026. According to reports, he was 87 years old when he breathed his last. CNN reported the news of Ted’s passing, referencing a news release from Turner Enterprises. It is worth noting that Ted’s net worth was always a topic of conversation, and now that he has passed away, many have become curious about his net worth at the time of his death.
Ted Turner’s net worth at the time of his death
According to a report by Celebrity Net Worth, Ted Turner’s net worth at the time of his death was around USD 2.2 billion. However, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings, Ted’s net worth was estimated at around USD 2.8 billion in 2026. He had built his fortune with the help of his vast media empire. This included CNN, TBS, TNT, sports franchises, ranching businesses, and major holdings across the United States.
How did Ted Turner build his billion-dollar fortune?
It was in the 1960s when Ted Turner began his career by taking over his father’s billboard advertising company. Later on, he kept expanding aggressively into television broadcasting by purchasing an Atlanta UHF station. For those unaware, this was the same station which became the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS).
Two decades later, in 1980, Ted Turner launched CNN, which is the world’s first 24-hour cable news network. It is safe to say that the channel transformed global journalism and became one of the most influential news organisations in history. Over the years, Ted’s media empire grew to include TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Entertainment. During his business career, he also reportedly owned major sports teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks.
Why did Ted Turner’s net worth decline over the years?
When he was alive, Ted Turner was once considered to be among the wealthiest businessmen in America. However, due to a few major events, his fortune saw a decline from its peak. According to a report by Business Upturn, this includes the AOL-Time Warner merger as well as Ted’s substantial philanthropic donations. Ted reportedly donated more than USD 1 billion to United Nations-related causes. He also donated to several environmental initiatives during his lifetime. Many consider Ted Turner to be one of America’s most notable philanthropists.
It is worth noting that despite Ted’s wealth declining from its earlier peak, he still maintained his position as a billionaire in 2026. He had several significant investments in land, ranching, media assets, and private businesses. This is why, shortly before his death, Forbes estimated Ted Turner’s wealth as approximately USD 2.8 billion.
More about Ted Turner and his death at 87
Ted Turner passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Turner Enterprises was the one who announced the tragic news. In a statement, CNN CEO Mark Thompson said about Ted:
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement. He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognise him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
In his personal life, Ted Turner has three wives, although he subsequently divorced all of them. He was married to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964. Ted’s second marriage was to Jane Shirley, and the duo were together from 1965 to 1988. Lastly, Ted tied the knot with actress Jane Fonda, and they remained married from 1991 to 2001.
May Ted Turner rest in peace.
Also read: CNN Founder Ted Turner’s Ex-Wife, Jane Fonda’s Divorce Was Expensive, Took USD 40 Million Alimony
