Updated: May 7, 2026
In the wake of media mogul Ted Turner’s passing on May 6, 2026, at age 87, attention has turned to his remarkable family. While Ted built empires with CNN and Turner Broadcasting, his greatest legacy may be the values he passed to his five children—especially his daughters. Laura Turner Seydel, his eldest, stands out as a powerful environmental advocate carrying forward her father’s passion for the planet.
This post explores the lives of Ted Turner daughters, with a focus on Laura’s inspiring journey.
Table of Contents
Who Are Ted Turner’s Daughters?
Ted Turner had two daughters among his five children. Laura Turner Seydel (from his first marriage to Judy Nye) and Sara Jean “Jennie” Turner Garlington (from his second marriage to Jane Smith). Both women have embraced causes close to their father’s heart—conservation, education, and building a better future.
Laura, the oldest child, has become the most visible torchbearer. Jennie, the youngest, has also made her mark, notably through filmmaking and storytelling that highlight environmental themes. Their paths reflect Ted’s blend of bold entrepreneurship and deep care for nature.
Key highlights of Ted Turner’s children:
- Laura Turner Seydel: Environmental leader, Chair Emeritus of Captain Planet Foundation.
- Teddy Turner: Involved in business and sailing.
- Rhett Turner: Award-winning filmmaker and photographer.
- Beau Turner: Focused on endangered species conservation.
- Jennie Turner Garlington: Media professional with an Emmy-winning eco-focused show.
Laura Turner Seydel: A Real-Life Planeteer
Born as Ted’s firstborn, Laura grew up steeped in environmental awareness long before it was mainstream. Her father—often called the “real-life Captain Planet”—instilled values of stewardship during family trips and daily life. After graduating from Oglethorpe University in 1986, Laura’s first job was with Greenpeace. She never looked back.
Today, Laura serves as a national environmental advocate and eco-living expert. She chairs (now as Chair Emeritus) the Captain Planet Foundation, which her father co-founded. She also directs the Turner Foundation and sits on boards like Project Drawdown and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Laura and her husband Rutherford live in Atlanta’s EcoManor—the first LEED-certified Gold residence in the Southeast (and one of the earliest in the U.S.). This home showcases sustainable living with solar energy, smart materials, and minimal waste.
Her major contributions include:
- Founding Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to protect local waterways.
- Co-creating Mothers & Others for Clean Air.
- Advocating for regenerative agriculture and biodiversity.
- Raising three children—John R., Vasser, and Laura Elizabeth—who now work in sustainability and ocean protection.
Laura often says her passion is “in my DNA.” She has turned personal commitment into public action, inspiring families worldwide to live greener lives.
Jennie Turner Garlington: Storytelling for Change
While Laura focuses on policy and activism, sister Jennie brings stories to life. She produced EcoSense for Living, an Emmy-winning program on sustainable lifestyles. Married to Peek Garlington, Jennie lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with their six children. Her work complements the family’s shared mission of conservation through media and education.
Together, the Turner siblings demonstrate how one visionary’s influence can ripple across generations.
Ted Turner’s Family Legacy: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Children | 5 (Laura, Teddy, Rhett, Beau, Jennie) | Strong family commitment to causes |
| Laura’s Role | Chair Emeritus, Captain Planet Foundation | Youth environmental education |
| Sustainable Home | EcoManor (LEED Gold) | Model for green living |
| Grandchildren | 14 + 2 great-grandchildren | Next generation of stewards |
| Core Values | Conservation, biodiversity, clean air/water | Billions donated to philanthropy |
This table captures the scale of the Turner family’s ongoing influence.
Practical Tips from Laura Turner Seydel for Everyday Environmentalism
Laura emphasizes that big change starts small:
- Audit your home: Switch to energy-efficient appliances and reduce plastic use.
- Support local: Eat regeneratively farmed food and back river/water protection groups.
- Educate the next generation: Take kids outdoors and discuss climate solutions.
- Vote and advocate: Engage with policies that protect biodiversity and fight pollution.
- Tell stories: Share successes—like Ted’s bison conservation—to inspire others.
These actionable steps make sustainability accessible for busy families.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact Beyond Media Empires
Ted Turner daughters, particularly Laura Turner Seydel, prove that true success lies in what we leave behind—for the planet and future generations. In the days following Ted’s passing, their work reminds us that one person’s vision, passed to dedicated children, can drive meaningful change.
Whether through policy, storytelling, or green living, the Turner family continues to champion a healthier Earth. Laura’s leadership shows us that being a “Planeteer” is not just for cartoons—it’s a call to action we can all answer.