logo
Jon Bon Jovi and his mother Carol Bongiovi | Source: Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi and his mother Carol Bongiovi | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi's Ex-Marine Mother, Carol, Passes Away 3 Days Shy of Her Birthday — Grieving Singer Speaks Out

Naomi Wanjala
Jul 10, 2024
05:10 A.M.

Talented singer Jon Bon Jovi's mother has died. The multifaceted artist confirmed the news in a statement.

Advertisement

Musician Jon Bon Jovi is mourning the loss of his beloved mother, Carol Bongiovi, who passed away on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 83. Her passing came just three days before what would have been her 84th birthday, marking a poignant moment for the family.

Jon Bon Jovi and Carol Bongiovi at the 3rd Annual Silver Clef Award Honors Bon Jovi in November 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi and Carol Bongiovi at the 3rd Annual Silver Clef Award Honors Bon Jovi in November 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Carol reportedly died at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that deeply impacted those who knew her.

Jon paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, describing her as "a force to be reckoned with" whose "spirit and can-do attitude" shaped their family.

Jon Bon Jovi and his mother Carol at Young Guns II" Hollywood Premiere in 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi and his mother Carol at Young Guns II" Hollywood Premiere in 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

"She will be greatly missed," he said. Carol was more than just a mother to Jon; she was a mentor and nurturer of his talent. As the founder of her son's rock band's fan club, she played a pivotal role in supporting his musical career. But her influence extended beyond music.

Carol was an entrepreneur who invested in several businesses, demonstrating the same determination and drive she instilled in her children. In her late teens, Carol's beauty and grace earned her the title of Miss Erie, Pennsylvania. She also worked as a Playboy bunny, showcasing her vibrant personality and poise.

In 1959, she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving her country with honor. It was during this period that she met John Bongiovi, Sr., the man who would become her life partner.

Jon Bon Jovi and Carol Bongiovi and John Bongiovi at the 3rd Annual Silver Clef Award Honors Bon Jovi in November 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi and Carol Bongiovi and John Bongiovi at the 3rd Annual Silver Clef Award Honors Bon Jovi in November 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Their love story began in the Marine Corps, blossoming into a lifelong commitment filled with hard work, dedication, and mutual respect. The couple moved to Sayreville, New Jersey, where they started their family, welcoming three sons: Jon, Matthew, and Anthony.

Eventually, they settled in Holmdel, New Jersey, where they continued to build their lives together until Carol's passing. Carol and John were a dynamic duo whose strong work ethics and unwavering support shaped the lives of their children.

Jon Bon Jovi and his mother attend the Grammy Awards February 20, 1991, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi and his mother attend the Grammy Awards February 20, 1991, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

John, a former Marine, reinvented himself by opening a beauty salon, a move which his son Jon describes as bravely aspirational. Carol, a German/Russian Playboy bunny turned florist, brought a unique blend of elegance and resilience to their family. She balanced her beauty and poise with the discipline and toughness she honed in the Marine Corps.

Advertisement
Jon Bon Jovi at Convene on June 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi at Convene on June 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jon fondly recalled, "They had their little outfit, and my dad was like this hip cat because he was married to a Playboy bunny. My mother was a Marine and a Playboy bunny. That's a tough mother."

Raising their three sons—Jon, Matthew, and Anthony—the Bongiovis instilled in their children the belief that dreams were attainable with hard work and dedication. Jon often speaks about the supportive environment his parents provided.

Jon Bon Jovi at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on June 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on June 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

According to the singer, his parents believed that even if one wasn't truly good at their craft but had confidence, they could work on it. He explained that as he got older, he realized that was a great gift he received from his parents.

He said they truly believed in the John Kennedy mantra of going to the moon, telling him, "Yeah, of course, you can go to the moon. Just go, Johnny." And so, he did. The musician recalled how his parents permitted him to follow his dreams, even allowing him to perform at gigs when he was 17. He mentioned that looking back, their support was incredible.

Carol Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi at "Young Guns II" Hollywood premiere | Source: Getty Images

Carol Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi at "Young Guns II" Hollywood premiere | Source: Getty Images

He recalled getting home at one or two in the morning but needed to be at school by eight and his parents simply told him to be on time for school and to pursue his dream, emphasizing that showing up for school was his responsibility.

Advertisement

Carol and John's parenting style was a balanced mix of freedom and responsibility. Jon once mentioned that his parents weren't necessarily strict, but they also weren't too lenient. He described it as a typical 1960s-1970s upbringing. Jon expressed admiration for his parents' ability to stay together through good and bad times.

Jon Bon Jovi at The Lantern on May 30, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi at The Lantern on May 30, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

He recalled that everyone worked hard, came home, drank a six-pack of beer, watched TV, and went to bed, only to do it all again the next day. On Sundays, they would go out into the backyard to barbecue or maybe play golf.

The Bongiovis’ ability to balance work, family, and their unique interests created a nurturing environment for their children. Their dedication and belief in their children's dreams are testaments to their remarkable parenting and the profound impact they had on Jon's life and career.

Advertisement
Jon Bon Jovi at iPic Fulton Market on April 25, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi at iPic Fulton Market on April 25, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

As Jon Bon Jovi and his family mourn Carol's death, they also celebrate the incredible woman who shaped their world. Her legacy lives on through her family, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and strength.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Jon Bon Jovi's Son Marries in a Special Family Place & Newlyweds' Identical Names Spark a Stir

May 09, 2024

Jon Bon Jovi's Son Marries at 'Perfect' Farmhouse: Stunning Pics from the Five-Day Celebration & Garden Wedding

July 22, 2024

This Woman Was Not Allowed to Visit Sick Star Dad & Was Banned from His Funeral by Stepmom

June 05, 2024

Angelina Jolie's Father, Jon Voight, Steps in with a Request for Brad Pitt amid Exes' Legal Fight

August 27, 2024

TV Star Jon Gosselin, 47, Shows Amazing Weight Loss in Sportswear While Posing with Girlfriend: 'What an Upgrade'

June 11, 2024

NFL Star Jon Runyan Jr. Marries His Beloved in 'Old Hollywood' Wedding: Stunning Photos

August 08, 2024

Pierce Brosnan's Adopted Son, 51, Who Struggled with Addiction, Shatters the Public in a Rare Outing: 'Very Sad'

June 24, 2024

What Happened to Desi Arnaz Jr. After He Put His Acting Career on Hold?

September 03, 2024

What Happened to the Teen Idols from 'Pretty in Pink' 38 Years Later

June 20, 2024

Angelina Jolie's Brother Gets Involved in Church After Easing from Hollywood — They Haven't Been Seen Together for Years, Source Claims

July 15, 2024

5 Forgotten Teen Idols – Inside the Lives of Celebrities Now Far from the Spotlight

May 05, 2024

This Woman Won the Heart of a Hollywood Actor – He Sacrificed His Career to Be There for Her & Their 5 Kids

May 03, 2024

How Carol Burnett Would Have Looked in Her 90s If She'd Never Had Chin Surgery – Photos

May 13, 2024

Angelina Jolie, 49, Breaks Down in Tears at the Venice International Film Festival Days after She Was Spotted 'So Hauntingly Sad'

August 30, 2024