Jon Bonjovi Wife, maintaining a robust marriage while also giving back to society—Jon Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea Bongiovi epitomize the true essence of love.
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi, a love story that began in high school, continues to flourish even after 40 years. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the couple discussed their journey together, sharing details about their durable marriage and the joy of parenting their four children.
Jon Bonjovi Wife, what is their secret to a long-lasting marriage?
“Respect for each other,” explains Jon, as he eagerly anticipates the release of his new Bon Jovi album, 2020. The couple has matured together, appreciating each other’s company and enjoying each other’s presence.
According to Dorothea, she has a knack for recognizing potential, which has played a significant role in their relationship.
Now at 58, their bond has strengthened over time, largely due to their conventional family life along with their four kids, daughter Stephanie and sons Jesse, Jacob, and Romeo.
Despite achieving immense fame, Jon has managed to stay grounded, attributing this to his deep connection with Dorothea, who he firmly believes is his pillar of strength.
“Our relationship is a collaborative effort,” Dorothea comments on their joint venture, the Soul Foundation, which they started in 2006. The duo is deeply moved by human suffering and feels the need to help those less fortunate.
Jon concludes, “I am most content when I am passionate about my work, taking care of my family, and making a small positive difference in the world.”
The Love Story of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi: A Timeline
In 1980, as high school students, Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi crossed paths for the first time. They attended the same school, Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey, where they fell in love. They didn’t rush into marriage, instead waiting until 1989 when they eloped to Las Vegas. This was during the peak of Bon Jovi’s rock star career. The couple later became parents to four children: daughter Stephanie and sons Jesse, Jacob, and Romeo. In 2006, they started the JBJ Soul Foundation together, and have since launched three pay-as-you-wish restaurants in the U.S. When asked about the secret to their long-lasting relationship, they both attribute it to their genuine liking for each other.
1980: Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi’s First Meeting
Jon Bonjovi Wife, The pair first met as high school students. Bon Jovi humorously recalls Dorothea allowing him to copy off her during history class. He was instantly smitten with her and that feeling has remained till now.
April 29, 1989: The Wedding of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi
Jon Bonjovi Wife, Even though the couple connected instantly in high school, they didn’t rush into marriage. They had a brief split in 1985 during which Bon Jovi dated actress Diane Lane for a short period of five months. However, the couple eventually got back together and eloped in 1989 in Las Vegas during a peak period in Bon Jovi’s music career. His band had the top album and single at the time, and they were performing three nights at the Forum in L.A. He spontaneously proposed the idea to Dorothea, and despite her initial hesitation, they decided to elope to Las Vegas without telling anyone.
May 31, 1993: The Arrival of Daughter Stephanie
Bon Jovi and Dorothea became parents to their first child, Stephanie Rose, on May 31, 1993, in Red Bank, New Jersey. Despite guarding their children from public attention, Stephanie had the chance to share the stage with her father at the age of 7 and later in 2017 for a performance in Las Vegas.
Jesse James Louis Bon Jovi is born on February 19, 1995
On February 19, 1995, Bon Jovi and Dorothea expanded their family with the birth of their son, Jesse James Louis. Jesse went on to be a part of the University of Notre Dame’s football team and in 2018, he alongside his father, established a wine brand, Hampton Water.
Jacob “Jake” Hurley Bon Jovi arrives on May 7, 2002
The couple’s second son, Jacob “Jake” Hurley, was born on May 7, 2002. Due to a performance in New Orleans the previous day and technical difficulties with his hotel phone, Bon Jon Bonjovi Wife, nearly missed the birth of his son but managed to reach just in time for his delivery. Jake, as per his Instagram, has forayed into acting and is engaged to Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things star.
Romeo Jon Bon Jovi is born on March 29, 2004
Their youngest, Romeo Jon, was born on March 29, 2004, in New Jersey. Bon Jovi once shared his feelings about parenthood with PEOPLE, expressing that the experience of having a child truly help you understand what love is.
5th October 2010: Jon Bon Jovi Talks About His Marriage to Dorothea Bongiovi
Bon Jovi revealed the secrets to his enduring marriage with Dorothea, attributing their success to her understanding and unwavering support. He admitted to his own imperfections, saying, “I’ve not been an angel,” and confessed his regrets about missing many of his children’s significant life events due to his career. However, he praised Dorothea for being steadfast and for her comprehension of his professional demands.
November 2012: Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi’s Daughter Overdoses
In a shocking incident in 2012, Bon Jovi and Dorothea’s eldest daughter Stephanie suffered a heroin overdose. After a frightening call from the hospital where Stephanie confessed her predicament, the parents were shaken but relieved as she made a recovery and her charges were dismissed. This event was a wake-up call for Jon Bonjovi Wife, who described it as his “most dreadful moment” .He recounted Stephanie’s phone call, stating that while her initial assurance of her safety was comforting, learning what had actually happened was a jolt.
26th November 2013: Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi Attend Charity Gala with Family at Kensington Palace
Shortly after this ordeal, the Bon Jovi family including three of their children, were seen at the Winter Whites Gala, a charity event at Kensington Palace aimed at raising funds for the homeless through Centrepoint. The family had an audience with Prince William and his family, making the occasion a memorable one.
