Just a few days before his 62nd birthday, Jon Bon Jovi faced heartbreaking news—his mother, Carol Bongiovi, passed away at the age of 83. It’s hard to imagine the mix of grief and sorrow that must have washed over the singer, especially as he approached a milestone birthday. Jon, who has always spoken fondly of his mother, took a moment in the wake of her passing to reflect on her life and the incredible influence she had on his own.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Jon described Carol as “a force to be reckoned with,” capturing her strong personality and unwavering spirit. He spoke with affection and a deep sense of loss, telling them, “Her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family.” It was evident how deeply he and his family loved her and how much they will miss her presence. Her death on a Tuesday at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, marked the end of an era for the Bon Jovi family, but also a celebration of her remarkable life.
Carol was a woman who lived a rich and diverse life. She was a former Playboy bunny, a detail that many might find surprising given her later role in nurturing and supporting her family. In fact, she might have been one of the few who balanced a glamorous career with her dedication as a mother. She was also the founder of her son’s band fan club, a testament to her support and enthusiasm for Jon’s musical dreams right from the start. She met her future husband, John Bongiovi Sr., after enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, a detail that speaks to her adventurous spirit. They eventually settled their family first in Sayreville, New Jersey, before moving to Holmdel, where she spent her final years.
Her funeral arrangements are being overseen by the Holmdel Funeral Home. Though the details remain private, it’s clear that her family will hold her memory close. Her three children—Jon, Anthony, and Matthew—along with her 63-year-old husband, will undoubtedly feel the emptiness left behind by her absence but also cherish her legacy.
Jon has been open about the importance of his parents’ unwavering support during his journey into music. He’s often spoken about how his parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams, regardless of whether he excelled initially. In November 2020, he shared with The Big Issue, “Even if you weren’t good at your craft, you could work on it if you thought you were,” emphasizing how vital their belief in him was. Looking back, Jon now recognizes just how precious that gift was—his parents’ unwavering faith in his dreams, even when those dreams seemed far-fetched or difficult.
He recounted how, as a young boy, he would attend concerts with his parents, a first step that fueled his passion for performing. When Jon was just seventeen, his parents allowed him to start performing at local events, a pivotal moment that set him on his path to stardom. He recalls those days vividly, expressing gratitude for their support. “They were always there for me, which was amazing looking back,” he said. He remembered how they balanced their support with responsibilities, telling him, “You have to be at school at eight, and get home at one or two in the morning. Just go to school on time—that’s your responsibility— but follow your dreams.”
Jon’s love story with Dorothea Hurley, whom he met in high school, is another testament to his grounding and family values. She’s not only his wife but his lifelong partner in both life and parenthood. Together, they raise three sons—Jesse, Jake, and Romeo—and their daughter, Stephanie, who is now 31. From a young age, Jon seems to have prioritized family above all else, always emphasizing the importance of love, support, and staying true to oneself.
One recent highlight he shared with the media was the wedding of his son Jake to Millie Bobby Brown, a star of “Stranger Things.” The couple tied the knot in an intimate, private ceremony in May 2024, with Jon and Dorothea attending along with Millie’s parents. Jon expressed how proud and excited he was about his son’s marriage—something he described as a “special moment” in their family’s journey. And he teased about the future, jokingly remarking on how “his grandchildren will have more English ancestry than Italian or any other heritage” he might have. That playful comment shows how intertwined and close-knit his family remains, despite their fame and busy lives.
He couldn’t help but laugh when he added, “Your kids are married and talking to you about having grandchildren all of a sudden? Wow! In my book, this is the longest chapter.” It’s that sense of humor and groundedness that perhaps endears Jon most to his fans—despite his fame, he’s just a regular guy who cherishes his family, his roots, and the moments that make life meaningful.
