Bon Jovi’s mother, Carol Sharkey, had a background in modeling and was among the early Playboy Bunnies. She met his father, John Francis Bongiovi Sr., when he was in the U.S. Marines. Bon Jovi is reportedly a blood relative to the legendary Frank Sinatra, his great paternal uncle.
While many are familiar with Bon Jovi ruling the music arena since the 80s, few might know about his picture-perfect love story. He’s been married to Dorothea Hurley since April 29, 1989, and the couple has remained faithful to their union for an astonishing 34 years.
On another occasion, Bon Jovi playfully remarked that he looked to the “love of his life” for advice and information on cosmetic procedures, including Botox and hair weaves.
According to legend, Bon Jovi and Hurley crossed paths aged 18 when he sought her assistance with answers during a history exam. Meanwhile, Hurley, then crowned a junior martial arts champion, was striving to navigate her way through school at Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey.
In a short span of time, they forged a close friendship and spent ample time in each other’s company. However, as they entered their early 20s, they discovered that their companionship was gradually transforming into a romantic relationship.
At that point, Bon Jovi had established the band Bon Jovi, featuring David Bryan on keyboards, Alec John Such on bass, Tico Torres on drums, and guitarist Richie Sambora. He was rapidly gaining popularity, becoming a well-known name in households.
By 1989, Bon Jovi and Hurley felt a strong need to solidify their relationship. Seizing the opportunity during a break in Bon Jovi’s band’s “The New Jersey Syndicate Tour” in Los Angeles, they covertly embarked on a trip to Las Vegas, tying the knot in a secret wedding ceremony.
Everything happened so quickly that the pair didn’t even have rings to wear. Ever since that special moment, the couple has happily stayed married and been blessed with the gift of four children: Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, 30, Jesse Bongiovi, 28, Jacob “Jake” Hurley Bongiovi, 21, and Romeo Jon Bongiovi, 19.
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In a world of temporary flings and soul-crushing breakups, the “Livin on a Prayer” singer’s unwavering commitment to his spouse is a shining example for people within and outside show business. Bon Jovi, who has referred to himself as the “poster boy for marriage” on numerous occasions, said about his wife:
“[Dorothea] is very wise. She gave me four great kids…I did it right the first time, and she is great and undyingly loyal.”
The “Runaway” alum stated that if he were jokingly regarded as the poster boy for rock and roll marriages, he would accept it, adding that the incredible Irish singer-songwriter Paul David Hewson, a.k.a. Bono, had been married for just as long.
The rockstar and his high school sweetheart’s heartwarming story seems straight out of a fairytale. In a 2020 interview, the couple shared views about their 40-year-long bond, from finishing each other’s sentences to nurturing their brood. When asked about the secret of their marriage, Bon Jovi replied:
“Mutual respect. Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.”
On another occasion, Bon Jovi playfully remarked that he looked to the “love of his life” for advice and information on cosmetic procedures, including Botox and hair weaves. Citing his lack of observation, he admitted to relying on his wife to identify people who had undergone such treatments, saying he couldn’t even recognize a toupee.
Details about Jon Bon Jovi’s Properties & the House Where He Now Lives
Bon Jovi hailed from a working-class family, striving to become a global phenomenon, filling stadiums with his fans and selling records by the millions. But behind the scenes, he’s a humble man who loves his wife and children and cherishes his family more than anything else.
In an exclusive 2012 interview, the rock ‘n’ roll singer gave a glimpse into his magnificent home across the river in Red Bank, New Jersey, sharing his thoughts about being a musician, husband, and father.
Bon Jovi, who also dabbled in acting, was asked if he made his children watch his own movies. “Yeah, only when they’re bad or when they’re in trouble,” he responded. When asked about teaching his kids gratitude and appreciation for their blessings, he highlighted the importance of leading by example.
The “Always” singer explained that despite having a beautiful kitchen in their home, they spent most of their time at the community kitchen, also known as the Soul Kitchen, where people had the option to pay for their meals or volunteer if they couldn’t afford it, without any prices listed on the menus.
When the interviewer portrayed Bon Jovi as the opposite of a typical rockstar, with a clean record devoid of drug addiction, being married to the same woman without any scandals and ongoing success, he beamed joyfully, adding that he couldn’t pursue a political career.
The European-inspired mansion called the “High Point,” featured a grand foyer, a state-of-the-art movie theater, a sophisticated bar with river views, and a picturesque kitchen with hand-painted beams and alabaster countertops.
As the “Bed of Roses” singer sat inside his spectacular recording studio, he was asked how he celebrated with a beer after successfully composing a song. “We’ve got that problem solved: there are no drunk driving tickets in the perfect utopian world in which we live,” answered Bon Jovi.
He also had an area devoted to his family in his estate spanning 16 acres, boasting an exquisite waterfront and a mesmerizing view of the Atlantic Ocean. The “Story of My Life” singer showed a pass-through hallway to the family wing inside his house.
The hallway was decorated with several photos of Bon Jovi and Hurley with their kids and was not only a special place for the rockstar but also a befitting tribute to his family. It perfectly encapsulated Bon Jovi’s priorities in life besides being a world-class musician, highlighting his roles as a loving husband and devoted father.
(L-R) Family portraits showing Dorothea Hurley Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi with their kids | Source: youtube.com/Bon Jovi Pearl
During the interview, Bon Jovi was asked if it had been tough to be the kind of father he wanted to be, considering his prominent public persona. He responded by saying that it was both challenging and not.
He acknowledged missing his children’s birthdays and school plays over the years while pointing out the benefit of having extended periods off when he wasn’t on tour or recording new music.
Besides amassing love and praise from his fans worldwide, Bon Jovi has also managed to rake in millions of dollars through his successful music career. The band frontman knows how to live lavishly, and his unique style is reflected in the many properties he’s owned over the years.
One of his most outstanding estates was the palatial waterside chateau in New Jersey, which he reportedly put on sale for $20 million in 2020. The house—an epitome of luxury and elegance—was custom-built in 1999 for him and his wife, where the couple lived with their four children.
Situated on 15 acres of landscaped gardens with 700-ft of Navesink River frontage, the famous architect Robert A.M. Stern designed the French-inspired chateau.
The European-inspired mansion called the “High Point,” featured a grand foyer, a state-of-the-art movie theater, a sophisticated bar with river views, and a picturesque kitchen with hand-painted beams and alabaster countertops.
The property also boasted a beautiful pool area, outbuildings such as a carriage house and the charming “Shoe Inn” pub, and a loft-style recording studio in the converted stables. The exceptional estate offered a perfect blend of stunning architecture, scenic vistas, and luxurious amenities.
Bon Jovi, his wife, and their brood of four lived in their customized Middletown, N.J. home for many years, but in 2020, they reportedly moved to a $43 million mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. The home was built in 2007, designed by the renowned architect Thomas Kirchoff, with the interior designed by David Kleinberg.
The house features hardwood floors, a marble interior, and incredible cyclist ceilings. It boasts five powder rooms, a grand dining hall, and a dreamy ocean view.
The mansion also has a courtyard, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and an air-conditioned three-car garage. It has seven bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a magnificent pool area, and a cabana.
