Updated: May 7, 2026
The recent passing of media visionary Ted Turner on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87 has sparked fresh interest in his remarkable life, including his personal relationships. While his high-profile marriage to Jane Fonda often steals the spotlight, his second wife, Jane Shirley Smith, played a pivotal role during one of his most transformative decades. This article explores her life, their marriage, and lasting legacy in a balanced, insightful way.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Meeting Ted Turner
Jane Shirley Smith, often called Janie, maintained a relatively private profile compared to Turner’s more public personas. Before entering the spotlight as his wife, she built her own foundation, including a background in nursing and community involvement.
She met Ted Turner shortly after his first marriage to Judy Nye ended in 1964. Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to marriage on June 2, 1965. At the time, Turner was aggressively building his media empire, acquiring billboards and expanding into television. Jane stepped into the role of supportive partner during these high-stakes years.
- Supportive Force: Jane helped create a stable home environment as Turner navigated business risks.
- Family Focus: She prioritized raising their children while Turner chased ambitious ventures like the Atlanta Braves ownership.
- Low-Key Strength: Unlike later marriages, theirs stayed largely out of tabloid drama during its early years.
The Marriage Years: 1965–1988
Their union lasted 23 years, making it Turner’s longest marriage. This period coincided with Turner’s explosive growth: launching CNN in 1980, pioneering 24-hour news, and becoming a household name in global media.
Jane Shirley Smith managed the household and family life amid Turner’s demanding schedule. Friends and family described her as warm, resilient, and grounded—qualities that complemented Turner’s larger-than-life personality.
Key Highlights of Their Shared Life:
- Welcomed three children together: sons Beau and Rhett, and daughter Jennie.
- Supported Turner through major professional milestones, including sports team acquisitions and cable television expansion.
- Navigated the challenges of fame and intense work commitments that often pulled Turner away.
The couple divorced in 1988. Like many high-achieving partnerships, the strains of ambition, travel, and differing personal needs contributed to the split. Despite the end, Jane remained a significant figure in the family story.
Family Life and Children
Jane Shirley Smith and Ted Turner raised five children in total when including his two from the first marriage. Their three shared children became part of a blended family that reflected both the successes and complexities of Turner’s life.
| Family Member | Relation to Jane Shirley Smith | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beau Turner | Son | Part of the family business legacy |
| Rhett Turner | Son | Maintains lower public profile |
| Jennie Turner | Daughter | Involved in family philanthropic efforts |
| Laura Turner | Stepdaughter | From Ted’s first marriage |
| Teddy Turner | Stepson | From Ted’s first marriage |
The family has grown with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane’s role as a mother and stepmother emphasized stability during turbulent business years. Turner often credited strong personal foundations for his ability to take bold risks.
Life After Divorce and Lasting Legacy
Following the 1988 divorce, Jane Shirley Smith chose privacy. She later found companionship in a long marriage to Rex Reinheimer, which lasted until his passing in 2007. She focused on community work, family, and personal pursuits away from media frenzy.
Her story reminds us that behind every powerful figure like Ted Turner stands a partner who helps shoulder the load. While Turner’s third marriage to Jane Fonda brought Hollywood glamour, his time with Jane Shirley Smith represented the foundational years of empire-building.
Quick Tips for Understanding Celebrity Marriages Like This:
- Longevity doesn’t always mean perfection—support during peak career years matters.
- Privacy can be a strength; not every partner seeks the spotlight.
- Blended families require patience and resilience, lessons still relevant today.
- Legacy includes both public achievements and private contributions.
Conclusion
Ted Turner second wife, Jane Shirley Smith, represents the quiet strength that helped fuel one of America’s greatest media success stories. Their 23-year marriage spanned the most dynamic chapter of Turner’s career, producing three children and countless shared memories. Though their paths diverged, her influence remains part of the Turner family narrative.
As we reflect on Ted Turner’s extraordinary life following his passing, stories like Jane’s add valuable human depth. She reminds us that behind bold visions are real people building lives together—one chapter at a time.