Ted Turner Obituary: CNN Founder and Media Pioneer Dies at 87 After Battle With Lewy Body Dementia

Ted Turner Obituary: CNN Founder and Media Pioneer Dies at 87 After Battle With Lewy Body Dementia

Ted Turner, the outspoken media entrepreneur who founded CNN and transformed television news, has died at the age of 87. Turner Enterprises announced his death on May 6, 2026, saying he died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Lamont, Florida.

Ted Turner Cause of Death
Turner’s family did not initially disclose a specific cause of death.

Major reports noted that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018, a progressive neurological disorder that affected his later years. CBS News reported that he died after a long battle with the condition.

The family asked for privacy while mourning his death. A private family service was planned, with a public memorial expected to follow at a later date.

A Revolutionary Career
Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 19, 1938, Turner built an extraordinary career after taking over his father’s billboard business.

His most significant achievement came with the creation of CNN. The network launched in Atlanta in 1980 and became the world’s first major 24-hour cable news network. Its continuous coverage helped establish a new model for broadcasting breaking news and eventually influenced television networks around the world.

Turner’s business empire expanded far beyond CNN. His companies became associated with TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. He was also involved in professional sports, including ownership of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks.

Philanthropy and Conservation
Turner’s influence extended beyond business and broadcasting. He became a major philanthropist and environmental advocate, donating billions of dollars to charitable causes and supporting conservation efforts.

He also founded the United Nations Foundation after pledging $1 billion to support the United Nations. His conservation work included protecting large areas of land and supporting efforts to preserve endangered species and restore American bison populations.

His personal life also attracted public attention. Turner was married three times, including to actor and activist Jane Fonda, whom he married in 1991. They divorced in 2001.