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Ted TurnerThe CNN founder, media mogul and philanthropist died on May 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, according to a press release from Turner Enterprises. He was 87 years old. As public interest in his life and career increased, the details surrounding Turner’s cause of death also became a major topic of discussion.
In tribute to Turner, Mark ThompsonCNN Worldwide Chairman and CEO said, “Ted was a committed, intensely engaged, courageous, courageous leader, always willing to back his intuition and trust his judgment. He is and always will be the spirit at the helm of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all pause today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
Turner leaves behind five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His last marriage was to the Academy Award-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda From 1991 to 2001.
Find out below what happened to Turner and more about his media career.
How old was Ted Turner when he died?
As previously reported, Turner was 87 years old when he died on May 6, 2026.
What is the cause of Ted Turner’s death?
No details about Turner’s cause of death had been released at press time. However, the late businessman suffered from Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder.
Last year, he was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia but recovered shortly afterwards.
Does Ted Turner have health problems?
Yes, as we previously reported, Turner revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018. In September of that year, he sat down with Ted Koppel on CBS Sunday Morning About his diagnosis.
“It’s a mild case of what people get like Alzheimer’s. It’s similar to that. But not as bad,” Turner said, before noting that “Alzheimer’s is fatal. Thank God I don’t have it. But, I do have it too, let’s – the disease – I can’t remember the name of it. Dementia. I can’t remember what my disease is.”
When asked about his symptoms, the late TV producer replied that he felt “tired” and “exhausted” while also suffering from forgetfulness at the time.
