Jon Bon Jovi has loved his wife for 33 years after avoiding divorce (2023)

Jon Bon Jovi once struggled through dark times, but his strong faith and support system have put him in a better place. The singer uses his success to help the homeless with food and shelter. Fortunately, his wife has the same good heart and helps with various initiatives. They have been together for over three decades and live happily ever after.

Born John Francis Bongiovi in ​​1962, the famous musician comes from a wealthy family. His parents were both in the Marines but later pursued different careers. His father was a hairdresser and his mother a florist.

Jon was just a teenager when he started performing with local bands. At 21 he formed his singing group Bon Jovi with other members: Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torress. It was only a while before Jon became a singing sensation with his single "Livin' on a Prayer."

Jon Bongiovi sits on the steps of a church during an interview with Today in 2020. | Source: Today

His career was undoubtedly a success. Jon and his band released 11 studio albums and gave over 2,700 concerts in different countries. Millions and millions of fans raved about hearing Bon Jovi play live, and in 2008 the famous band became the best-selling touring act.

Along with the glitz and glamor that fame brought, however, Jon faced challenges most stars couldn't escape. Jon consumed too much alcohol and struggled to get through his darkest times. His perfect, straight, white teeth stood out against his middle-aged frame, but he was also ten pounds overweight.

"I'm not fat Elvis. I look okay at 48calledin 2010. Jon believes that aging is much better than dying, despite the changes in his appearance. “You can see why people get fat, get old, give up!

Jon, a self-proclaimed "Recovering Catholic," does not adhere to religious practices. However, he strengthened his faith through prayer. "I pray several times a day," Joncalled. His connection with God soothes him; Although he doesn't ask for much, his health is always in his prayers.

Growing up in a Catholic household and school, Jon was untouched by the religious institution of going to mass. However, he believes in itspiritualityand personal connection with a higher power. According to Jon, good spirituality is reflected outwardly through actions.

In 2019, Jon worked with Help USA through his Soul Foundation to build 77 homes for homeless Washington war veterans.

Since then, Jon has been a man of action, helping others in ways big and small as he knows how to lead a better life. He used his voice and resources to positively impact the lives of others.

help homeless

Aged 54, Jonsnet worthbrought in as much as $410 million, ranking him 16th on the list of America's richest celebrities. This is no surprise given the decades of hard work and dedication he has put into the music industry.

Growing up, Jon watched his parents work to make ends meet. Born and raised in a working-class family, Jon was a self-made man who used his time and talent to make the millions he has today. From selling millions of albums to selling out concerts, decades on the road have made Jovi the epitome of hard work.

Nevertheless, the superstar remains on the ground. In 1986, Jovi used his hard-earned money to improve the lives of teenagers. His nonprofit organization, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, created Soul Homes, an initiative to help teens navigate foster care and the transition to adulthood. It also helped low-income earners in the area.

In 2019, Jon worked with Help USA through his Soul Foundation to build 77 homes for homeless Washington war veterans. The effort helped veterans rebuild their lives, provide security through comfortable housing, and build camaraderie with other veterans through community activities.

While the construction of the Walter Reed facility took years, the result made many happy. The housing project features a gym, lounge area, courtyard and computer room habitable for up to 300 veterans.

In partnership with Help USA, the Walter Reed facility also offers several programs to help veterans generate income and have a reasonable budget to cover expenses. Many veterans live off their pensions and Social Security benefits while also earning money through part-time work. help UScalled:

"Over time, JBJ Soul Homes will provide hundreds of people with permanent homes with supportive services that enable them to thrive."

A documentary titled "To Be of Service" was also released, which features the track "Unbroken" written by Jon Bon Jovi. The song's profits were donated to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, which helps veterans with service dogs.

With few volunteers, Jon came to the rescue and helped with surgeries. CNN claimed Jon helped out five days a week during the onset of the pandemic until July 2020, when restrictions were lifted.

Since then, Jon's Soul Foundation has helped build more than 600 homes and residential facilities in ten states. This has reached thousands of veterans and members of the youth community and left a lasting impact on their lives.

In addition to funding, Jon is also active in helping others. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a photo of the iconic rock star washing dishes in a chalkboard made the rounds online. The captionread:

“This superstar washes dishes at one of his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants that take on the homeless […]. Instead of disappearing into a fancy penthouse somewhere to wait out the pandemic, Jon Bon Jovi shows up [as] a dishwasher. "

JBJ Soul Kitchen is one of the many branches of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. It provides free meals to the homeless in communities. During the pandemic, the initiative lacked staff.

With few volunteers, Jon came to the rescue and helped with surgeries. CNN claimed Jon helped out five days a week during the onset of the pandemic until July 2020, when restrictions were lifted.

The official JBJ Soul Kitchen Instagram account also encouraged others to help. They reposted Jon's viral photo washing dishes andlabeledit: "If you can't do what you do... do what you can!" Despite being famous, Jon "enjoys."Wash the dishesand cooking for the homeless.

Luckily, Jon found a life partner with the same values ​​and heart to help others. His wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, is also active in her Soul Foundation and shared how her ideas became a reality. "We're looking at, 'You need a plaque. Let's open a plaque!' We just go and do it," she saidcalled.

As people who genuinely care about the well-being of others, Dorothea and Jon work on what society needs. The JBJ Soul Foundation began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when Jon was in his hotel room and spotted a homeless man outside.

Many thoughts immediately went through his mind, but he realized that the foundation affects every homeless person - regardless of race, politics, age or gender. Jon and Dorothea worked to start a foundation that would reach out to all the homeless and helpless people.

Their Las Vegas wedding was a spontaneous decision without anyone knowing. However, it was a decision that cemented their relationship forever.

While the organization initially focused on homelessness, the couple later expanded their efforts to feed the hungry. As of 2020, the JBJ Soul Kitchen had three community restaurants in New Jersey. The couple continued to grow their food bank initiative and were heroes in their own way.

Side by side with loving wife for 33 years

Jon andDorothea Bongioviwere high school friends who met at Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey in the '80s. As Jon recalled, he was immediately drawn to his wife, who allowed him to view her answers during a test.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi during Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 1996 in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Jon and Dorothea brieflyseparatedin 1985. During this time Jon toured with his band. However, the couple longed for each other and eventually rekindled their relationship.

Dorothea finally married in 1989, nine years after they met. By then, Bon Jovi had already basked in her success with a number one album, a single and concerts at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Their Las Vegas wedding was a spontaneous decision without anyone knowing. However, it was a decision that cemented their relationship forever. It wasn't until eight years later that they welcomed a child. On May 31, 1993, Jon and Dorothea welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie, who was born in Red Bank, New Jersey.

The couple welcomed another child on February 19, 1995, a son named Jesse, who became a businessman with his Hampton Water wine label.

Jon Bongiovi and his wife Dorothea Bongiovi during the premiere of 'Stand Up Guys' after party at The Plaza Hotel on December 9, 2012 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

On May 7th, 2002, Jon and Dorothea welcomed another boy,Jakob Bongiovi. Jon had a show in New Orleans the day before he arrived and almost missed Jacob's birth. Luckily he took a private plane home and made it in time.

Although not a singer, Jacob pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actor. He is famousdatedStranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown.

Due to his demanding job, Jon missed several milestones in his children's lives, but Dorothea supported them and was the rock of their family.

Jon and Dorothea welcomed another son, Romeo, two years after Jacob's birth on March 29, 2004. The couple tried to keep their children out of the limelight when they were young. However, Stephanie showed up on stage at seven and joined her father to perform "I've Got the Girl." Jonopenon paternity:

"You think you're in love when you're a kid and you meet your wife and get married, but you know you're in love after you have a kid."

Jon and Dorothea's marriage has stood the test of time and their love remains steadfast. The singer credits his wife for the success of their relationship and admits he wasn't always the perfect partner.

Due to his demanding job, Jon missed several milestones in his children's lives, but Dorothea supported them and was the rock of their family.

Even as Jon became a superstar, his father and mother refused excessive help from their son and continued to work to earn a living. Aside from being supportive, Jon's parents are the reason he has good values ​​and work ethic.

Mutual respect has also been the key to a happy married life for over three decades. “Growing up together and growing together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out," he saidcalled.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi during the 'Stand Up Guys' premiere at the Harris Theater on October 11, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. | Source: Getty Images

As someone with a successful marriage, Jon tried to be a helping hand when his bandmates got divorced. Bon Jovi drummer Torres has been through twodivorces, while her guitarist Sambora was having a difficult divorce with Heather Locklear.

"I've seen my boys go through divorces and tough times, and it's not easy to try to let it off the stage," Jon saidcalled. He knows he is blessed to have an understanding, hands-on wife and mother in Dorothea.

Dorothea was also Jon's constant source of strength as he went through hisdarkest times.Sambora left the band during these years and Bon Jovi endured a bitter dispute with his record company.

It was his wife who pulled him out of the darkness. Granted, without Dorothea's help he might not have recovered. "My wife was phenomenal," he saidcalled.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi after the grand opening of the BEAT Center in Toms River, New Jersey on May 10, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

Besides his wife, Jon had another support in his life, his father,John Francis Bongiovi Sr.Before Bon Jovi had a taste of success, John Sr. would feed and take care of his son's bandmates.

He also tried to fuel Jon's success through connections. John Sr. supported his son with his cousin Tony, a New York music studio owner. Thankfully, Tony Jon helped jumpstart his career by producing the singer's music.

Even as Jon became an international superstar, his father and mother refused excessive help from their son and continued to work to earn a living. Aside from being supportive, Jon's parents are the reason for his good values ​​and work ethic.

They set a good example in the singer's adolescent years, teaching their son to dream big and achieve his goals with hard work. Jon has undoubtedly become a role model for many others. He thanks those who helped him become the man he is today.