Ted Turner’s Children Are His Only Named Heirs

On November 12, 2026, details of Ted Turner’s will drew attention to the absence of his former wife, actor Jane Fonda, from the list of named heirs. Laura, Robert, Rhett, Reed and Sara, Turner’s five children, are the sole heirs named in the document and have filed a petition to serve as executors of his estate.

Turner, the CNN founder, died in May at 87. He and Fonda married in 1990 and separated in 2001, after about a decade together. They had no children together, but raised their children from previous marriages as a joint family. Fonda received about $40 million in their divorce settlement.

Turner drafted his trust in 2003 and revised it repeatedly over the years, with changes reported in 2005 and near-annually afterward. The document said he had confidence in the investments held by his estate, while allowing his heirs to sell assets.

Fonda has spoken affectionately about Turner since their split, calling him her “favorite ex-husband.” In a tribute after his death, she praised his mind and humor and described him as romantic and adventurous. She also said he helped her believe in herself and expressed vulnerability, while acknowledging that he could be challenging.

Turner built a media business that included CNN, which he founded in 1980, as well as TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. He also owned the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks, and competed as a sailor who won the America’s Cup.