Carol A. Bongiovi passed away just three days shy of her 84th birthday at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. Her famous son, Jon Bon Jovi reacted to the news via a statement on behalf of his family, noting that Carol was “a force to be reckoned with.”
He credited the success of the Bongiovi household to her “spirit and can-do attitude,” adding that she will be greatly missed. Carol was an icon in her own right as a serial entrepreneur and the founder of the Bon Jovi fan club. She was the epitome of excellence, which is evidenced by John’s successful music career.
Remembering Carol Bongiovi
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Carol joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the late ‘50s, where she met John’s father, John Bongiovi, Sr. They both moved to Sayreville and later Holmdel in New Jersey, where she lived until her passing. She inspired John’s musical pursuit since he was a little boy by buying him his first acoustic guitar at 7.
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She also worked as a Playboy bunny in Manhattan, with the support of her husband, who John referred to as her “hip cat” during club performances. John credits his ability to dream big to his parents, especially Carol, who taught him to stay consistent at his craft until his dreams came true. There was no stopping him with a mother like Carol.
John was only 17 when Carol and his father would encourage him to take on gigs, boosting his stage confidence early on ahead of a global audience. As a teenager, he had to combine work and education, often having to get home at midnight and prepare for school at daybreak, however, his parents made doing so a bit easier.
His parents’ commitment to staying together for nearly seven decades also motivates John to get it right in marriage, having remained with his wife of 40 years, Dorothea Hurley. He credits their longevity to mutual respect and enjoying each other’s company. Carol is survived by, John Bon Jovi, and his two brothers, Matthew and Anthony, alongside their wives and multiple grandchildren.