Jon Bon Jovi with his mother, Carol Bongiovi
Legendary rocker Jon Bon Jovi is mourning the loss of his mother, Carol A. Bongiovi, who passed away on July 9th, 2024, just three days shy of her 84th birthday. She passed away at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of love and family.
A Force to Be Reckoned With
In a statement to People magazine, the heartbroken singer shared, “Our mother was a force to be reckoned with. Her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family. She will be greatly missed.”
Carol Bongiovi’s life was anything but ordinary. Before becoming a mother and the bedrock of her family, she enjoyed a stint as a Playboy Bunny and served her country as a member of the US Marine Corps. It was during her time in the Marines, in 1959, that she met her future husband, John Bongiovi, Sr.
Jon Bon Jovi with his parents, Carol and John Bongiovi Sr.
The couple settled in New Jersey, where they raised their three sons, Anthony, Matthew, and of course, the youngest, John, who would become a global rock icon. Carol was instrumental in her youngest son’s burgeoning music career, even playing a key role in establishing the first Bon Jovi fan club.
A Mother’s Unwavering Support
Jon Bon Jovi has frequently cited his parents’ unwavering belief in him as the driving force behind his success. In a 2020 interview with The Big Issue, he reflected on the invaluable gift his parents bestowed upon him:
“What I got from my parents was the ability to make the dream reality,” he shared. “Even if you truly weren’t any good at your craft, if you believed you were, you could work on it.”
He went on to explain, “As I got older, I realised that was a great gift that I got from my folks. They truly believed in the John Kennedy mantra of going to the moon. ‘Yeah, of course, you can go to the moon. Just go, Johnny.’ And there I went.”
Jon Bon Jovi performing on stage
His parents’ encouragement extended beyond mere words. They offered tangible support, allowing him the freedom to pursue his musical aspirations even as a high school student, even if it meant late nights followed by early mornings.
“They were always supportive of me, which in retrospect, was incredible,” he recalled. “Because I could get home at one or two in the morning, and have to still be in school by eight o’clock. They just said, show up on time for school, you know that is your responsibility, but pursue your dream.”
A Legacy of Love
Carol Bongiovi’s legacy extends far beyond her famous son. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Bongiovi, Sr., their three sons, daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren who were the apples of her eye.
Jon Bon Jovi with his wife Dorothea and their children
Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, have four children: Stephanie, 31, Jesse, 29, Jake, 22, and Romeo, 20. The family has undoubtedly come together to support one another during this difficult time, finding comfort in the memories they shared with the extraordinary woman who held their hearts.
