Ted Turner: Tributes pour in for media mogul Ted Turner
Atlanta leaders remember the legendary Ted Turner
The City of Atlanta is mourning the loss of Ted Turner. Turner is widely known for revolutionizing global television by founding CNN. Here's how local leaders describe his impact on the city.
ATLANTA - Tributes are pouring in for the man who had so much influence on the history of television and the history of Atlanta. CNN founder Ted Turner passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at the age of 87.
PHOTOS: CNN's Ted Turner through the years | 1938-2026
President Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Gov. Brian Kemp issued the following statement:
The Atlanta Braves also posted this tribute to the media mogul, who purchased the team in 1976.
Ted Turner Enterprises released the following statement on behalf of the Turner family:
"On behalf of the Turner family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of philanthropist, environmentalist and cable pioneer Ted Turner who died peacefully today at age 87, surrounded by his family.
Turner was most known for his founding of CNN and many Turner networks (including Cartoon Network, TNT and TCM), donating over a billion dollars, saving imperiled and endangered species, preserving more than two million acres of land and serving bison in his Ted’s Montana Grill restaurants. He was also a man known for his no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humor, and undying loyalty to those around him. He charmed people he met with his warmth and general lack of conceit, despite his many successes and celebrity – an attribute made apparent in his response to anyone who addressed him as "Mr. Turner" – he’d always reply, "Call me Ted!"
He is survived by his five children – Laura Turner Seydel (Rutherford), Robert E. (Teddy) Turner IV (Blair), Rhett Turner, Beau Turner (Georgia), Jennie Turner Garlington (Peek), fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family has requested privacy during this time as they grieve the death of their beloved patriarch. A private family service is planned, and a public memorial will be held at a later date, with details to follow."
Turner's former spouse, the actress Jane Fonda, shared her sentiments regarding the mogul on Instagram:
"MY IMMEDIATE THOUGHTS ABOUT TED He 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.
He could also take care of me. That was new as well. To be needed and cared for simultaneously is transformative. 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.
He also taught me more than any other person or school classes, mostly about nature and wildlife, hunting and fishing (hunters and fishermen who follow the law are the best environmentalists), but also about business and strategy. Ted was supremely strategic. It was likely innate, but he studied the Classics in college, knew about the Peleponesian War inside and out and the strategies used by Alexander the Great and even Genghis Khan. And sailing big boats as he did further honed those strategic talents which he then brought into his businesses to much success. He could see around corners for sure.
Next to Katharine Hepburn, Ted was the most competitive person I have ever met and that was fascinating to witness. Whether it was who’d made the most ski runs at the end of the day, to acres of land owned (stewarded is the more fitting word for his relationship to land), who had the most billions, how many countries he’d made love to his prior lover in and could I match that, it was challenging. Ted was challenging, but I’ve always been up for a challenge, and with Ted it was almost always worth it.
As our friend, Ron Olson, said, "Ted was a great teacher, often by example. He challenged us to think big (he once asked me to draft a resolution for the UN and the US Congress to ban all nuclear weapons; I did) and act small (for the twenty years since meeting Ted, I too, pick up trash on my walks)."
I loved Ted with all my heart. I see him in heaven now with all the wildlife he helped bring back from extinction – the black footed ferrets, the prairie dogs, Big Horned sheep, Mexican Gray Wolf, the Yellowstone wolf pack, bison, the red cockaded woodpecker and so many more, they’re all gathered at the pearly gates applauding and thanking him for saving their species.
Five children survive him, five talented, complex kids who I had the privilege of becoming stepmother to. I had four stepmothers growing up and I know how important stepmothers can be, so we all did our best to build an extended, rag tag family, and I love them to this day. If it was complicated to be married to him, think how complicated it was being his child. And they are all doing fine.
Rest in Peace, dearest Ted. You are loved and you will be remembered."
The Atlanta Hawks also issued a statements about Turner's passing:
The Atlanta Hawks issued the following statements regarding Ted Turner – a former owner of the Atlanta Hawks (1977-1996) – who passed away earlier today at the age of 87.
Tony Ressler, Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ted Turner—a true original, a visionary, and a force of nature whose impact will be felt for generations.
I was among those personally influenced by Ted. I first met him while working to raise capital to expand Turner Broadcasting during my time at Drexel many years ago. Even then, he was larger than life—boundless in imagination and willing to pursue his dreams on a scale that few could even contemplate.
Above all, Ted was committed to making the world a better place. Whether through his groundbreaking work in media, his dedication to environmental causes, or his philanthropic leadership, he consistently used his platform to drive meaningful change.
For me personally, owning the Atlanta Hawks and following in his footsteps—even in a small way—has been one of the great honors of my life. Seeing his name raised above the rafters at State Farm Arena serves as a constant reminder of the standard he set and the legacy he built. In many respects, my work in Atlanta—through the Hawks, the transformation of State Farm Arena, and the development of Centennial Yards—are all extensions of that legacy, rooted in our shared belief that sports and community can come together to inspire, uplift, and create lasting impact.
Ted Turner showed us what it means to think boldly and act with purpose. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire all who strive to make a difference.
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Steve Koonin, Atlanta Hawks CEO:
"Ted Turner was a pioneering force, a visionary leader, and someone I had the privilege of working closely with during my time running the flagship entertainment networks of his company. Being entrusted with leading those networks under Ted’s leadership gave me a firsthand view of his bold thinking, relentless drive, and willingness to challenge convention in ways that reshaped our industry.
Ted didn’t just build businesses—he built movements. From TBS, TNT, TCM and all of the related networks as well as his ownership of the Atlanta Hawks, Braves, and Thrashers, he transformed Atlanta into a global center for media and sports, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
What set Ted apart was not only his ambition and creativity, but his belief in people and his instinct to empower those around him to think bigger and move faster. We all strived to find our "Inner Ted" his unconventional leadership and deep commitment to philanthropy will continue to inspire for generations.
My deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many colleagues whose lives he touched so profoundly."
Rep. Mike Collins released the following on social media:
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released the following statement:
"Titan. Visionary. Genius. Pioneer. Philanthropist.
These words only begin to describe the late Ted Turner. And Atlanta is so much better because he chose to build much of his legacy here.
Today, Atlanta joins the world in mourning the loss of one of our city’s boldest thinkers and most generous spirits. Ted Turner transformed a local billboard business into a global media powerhouse. With CNN, he forever changed the way the world receives news. He was ahead of his time, sounding the alarm about the environment, championing peace and pushing our city and our world to dream bigger.
On behalf of the City of Atlanta, I offer my deepest condolences to the Turner and Seydel families and to all who were touched by his extraordinary life and legacy."
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum posted the following:
Atlanta attorney Gerald A. Griggs posted the following:
Blue Georgia posted this "fun fact" about Ted Turner. They also posted a clip from CNN's first broadcast.
On This Day in WWE also posted a "fun" video of Ted Turner:
Wrestler Ric Flair posted a photo of himself with Ted Turner: