Inside Jon Bon Jovi’s Home Where He Raised His Big Family with School Sweetheart
Jon Bon Jovi, born John Francis Bongiovi Jr., on March 2, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He gained recognition and fame as the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Bon Jovi, established in 1983. Besides launching 15 studio albums with his band, he has also released two solo albums.
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.
“[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.
