Carol Bongiovi, mother of Jon Bon Jovi, passed away just days before her 83rd birthday.
Jon Bon Jovi described her as a “force to be reckoned with,” emphasizing her impact on their family.
Carol Bongiovi died on Tuesday at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. Jon, 62, shared his heartfelt sentiments with PEOPLE, saying, “Our mother was a force to be reckoned with. Her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family. She will be greatly missed.”
Carol was a devoted fan of her son’s band and was instrumental in starting his fan club. She also had a notable past as a Playboy bunny.
In 1959, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where she met and later married John Bongiovi, Sr. They raised their family in Sayreville, New Jersey, before moving to Holmdel, where she lived until her passing.
Carol’s private funeral arrangements are being handled by Holmdel Funeral Home. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years and their three children: Jon, Anthony, and Matthew.
Jon has frequently spoken about the incredible support his parents provided him during his formative years. In a November 2020 interview with The Big Issue, he reflected, “Even if you weren’t good at your craft, you could work on it if you thought you were.”
He appreciated how his parents always encouraged him, saying, “They were always supportive of me, which in retrospect, was incredible.”
Jon fondly remembered how his parents supported his music career from a young age, even allowing him to play gigs late into the night while ensuring he attended school.
“They just said, show up on time for school, you know that is your responsibility, but pursue your dream.”
Jon is married to Dorothea Hurley, whom he fell in love with in high school. Together, they have four children: Stephanie, 31, and three sons—Jesse, Jake, and Romeo.
Recently, it was reported that Jake married Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown in a private ceremony in May 2024. Jon expressed his excitement about the new addition to the family, noting how his grandchildren will embrace both English and Italian heritage.
“It’s incredible to see your kids getting married and talking about having grandchildren,” he said. “It’s a new chapter in my life.
