Jane Fonda Returns to the Red Carpet for the First Time After the Death of Ted Turner, Her "Favorite Ex-Husband"

Fonda and Turner were married for nearly a decade.

Jane Fonda at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 12.Credit:

• Jane Fonda attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 12.

• The appearance marked her first red carpet since the passing of her ex-husband Ted Turner.

• The CNN founder died at the age of 87 last week; they were married for nearly a decade between 1991 and 2000 and maintained a bond after their separation.

Jane Fonda returned to the red carpet on May 12 as she attended the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. A week ago, her ex-husband Ted Turner died at the age of 87 following a battle with Lewy body dementia.

The 88-year-old actress opted for a high-neck, long-sleeved black gown covered in shiny sequins, which featured a short train. She accessorized with a chainlink pendant necklace and a diamond-encrusted cocktail ring. Fonda wore her silver hair in a curly bob, while her makeup consisted of shimmery eyeshadow, pink blush, and lip gloss.

Jane Fonda at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 12.

Following Turner's passing on May 6, Fonda posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram. The Barbarella star remembered her enduring bond with Turner—even after their marriage ended in 2001—revealing that she’s “never been the same” since meeting the CNN founder.

Fonda, who was married to Turner from 1991 to 2000 and previously referred to him as her "favorite ex-husband," shared a photo of her with the media mogul, who wore a gray felt hat and a dark-wash denim jacket, as they stood outside.

Jane Fonda and Ted Turner in 1994.

"[Ted] swept into my life, a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate and I’ve never been the same. He needed me. No one had ever let me know they needed me, and this wasn’t your average human being that needed me, this was the creator of CNN, and Turner Classic Movies, who had won the America’s Cup as the world’s greatest sailor. He had a big life, a brilliant mind and a soaring sense of humor,” her caption began.

Fonda also reflected on the billionaire entrepreneur's unique ability to "express need and vulnerability."

Ted Turner and Jane Fonda in 1991

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“He could also take care of me. That was new as well. To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative," she continued.

"Ted Turner helped me believe in myself. He gave me confidence. I think I did the same for him, but that’s what women are raised to do. Men like Ted aren’t supposed to express need and vulnerability. That was Ted’s greatest strength, I believe.”