Jon Bon Jovi, the iconic rocker, has captivated audiences for decades with his music. But beyond the stage, his most enduring partnership is with his wife, Dorothea Hurley. Together, they have built a strong family foundation and raised four children: Stephanie, Jesse, Jake, and Romeo. Despite Jon’s global fame, Dorothea and Jon have always prioritized giving their kids a sense of normalcy. This article delves into the lives of Jon Bon Jovi’s wife and family, exploring their relationships and individual accomplishments.
Dorothea Hurley, Jon Bon Jovi’s wife, has been his steadfast partner since their surprise wedding in 1989 in Las Vegas. Their enduring marriage is a testament to their commitment to family. Even with Bon Jovi’s demanding career, they’ve made a conscious effort to keep their children grounded. Jon once mentioned how he would sometimes test new song mixes on his kids during school car rides, showcasing a blend of his rockstar life and family moments. However, he always respected their space, never forcing them to listen to entire albums, emphasizing a balanced approach to his fame and their upbringing.
From a young age, Jon instilled in his children the importance of hard work, a value he lives by. He shared in a 2007 interview that he hoped his work ethic, whether in music, philanthropy, or even coaching his kids’ sports teams, would be a lesson for them. This emphasis on dedication and effort seems to have resonated with all of Jon Bon Jovi’s children as they’ve grown into adulthood.
The close-knit nature of the Jon Bon Jovi family was further highlighted during the 2020 pandemic. For the first time in over a decade, the entire family of six found themselves living under one roof in their New Jersey home. Jon cherished this unexpected extended family time, noting how they spent a month together before the older kids ventured out again. Dorothea echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their family-first focus and how much they enjoyed each other’s company during that period.
Let’s take a closer look at each of Jon Bon Jovi’s children and their individual paths:
Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, 31
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Image alt text: Jon Bon Jovi, Dorothea Hurley, and daughter Stephanie Bongiovi at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala.
Born on May 31, 1993, Stephanie Rose Bongiovi is Jon Bon Jovi’s eldest child and daughter. She has always held a special place in her father’s heart. In a touching tribute, Jon wrote his popular song “I’ve Got the Girl” about Stephanie. She has shared heartwarming moments with her dad on stage, first dancing to the song at age 7 and then surprising him with another dance during a 2017 Las Vegas concert. During that performance, Jon spoke about the song’s meaning, dedicating it to all the special women in people’s lives and acknowledging how quickly children grow up.
Stephanie faced a challenging period in 2012 when she was hospitalized due to an apparent opioid overdose while in college. Jon Bon Jovi addressed the situation with openness, expressing confidence in Stephanie’s recovery and emphasizing the importance of surrounding loved ones with support and care during difficult times.
Today, Stephanie works behind the camera as a camera operator for television shows. She made a notable public appearance in February 2024 at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala alongside her parents. This event honored Jon for his extensive philanthropic work, showcasing Stephanie’s support for her father’s endeavors beyond music.
Jesse Bongiovi, 30
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Image alt text: Jon Bon Jovi, Dorothea Hurley, and son Jesse Bongiovi at the Hampton Water Rosé launch event.
Jesse Bongiovi, born on February 19, 1995, is Jon and Dorothea’s eldest son. He pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where he played football and studied political science. However, Jesse’s entrepreneurial spirit led him down a different path.
In 2018, Jesse partnered with his father to launch Hampton Water, a rosé wine company. This venture proved incredibly successful, with Hampton Water even being recognized as the best rosé of 2018 by Wine Spectator. Jon Bon Jovi has expressed immense pride in working alongside his son in this business. He noted the unique dynamic of working with family, feeling a strong connection with Jesse’s business acumen and work ethic, likening it to having a “Mini-Me.” Jon emphasizes that Hampton Water is Jesse’s independent achievement, a testament to his son’s hard work and vision.
Jesse’s personal life also reached a milestone when he proposed to his girlfriend, Jesse Light, in July 2022. The proposal took place in East Hampton, with both families present. Continuing the family tradition, Jesse and Jesse Light married in Las Vegas in May 2024 at the same chapel where Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley exchanged their vows in 1989, marking a beautiful continuation of their family story.
Jake Hurley Bongiovi, 22
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Image alt text: Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown attend the BAFTAs in London in 2022.
Born on May 7, 2002, Jacob “Jake” Bongiovi is Jon and Dorothea’s second son and third child. Jake attended Pennington High School in New Jersey and enrolled at Syracuse University in 2020. While his current college status is not publicly known, Jake has stepped into the spotlight through his relationship with actress Millie Bobby Brown.
Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown’s relationship has garnered significant media attention. They became engaged in April 2023 and officially wed in a private ceremony in May 2024. While Jake maintains a relatively private personal life, he has publicly supported Millie Bobby Brown at various events, including the BAFTAs and premieres for Stranger Things and Enola Holmes 2. His relationship with Millie Bobby Brown places him firmly within the celebrity sphere, further extending the Bon Jovi family’s reach into popular culture.
Romeo Jon Bongiovi, 20
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Image alt text: Dorothea Hurley, Jon Bon Jovi, and their youngest son Romeo Bongiovi at the LOVE ROCKS NYC Benefit Concert.
Romeo Jon Bongiovi, born on March 29, 2004, is the youngest of Jon Bon Jovi’s children. He is also the most private, maintaining a low profile and no known public social media presence. In March 2021, Jon shared a rare glimpse into Romeo’s life with a birthday post on Instagram, showcasing the family’s affection even for their most private member.
Growing up, Romeo occasionally appeared at public events with his family, including a black-tie event at Kensington Palace in 2013 and Jon Bon Jovi’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. These appearances suggest a supportive family environment, even as Romeo chooses to live outside the public eye.
As Romeo approached adulthood, Jon and Dorothea humorously mentioned in 2020 their anticipation of becoming empty nesters. While looking forward to the flexibility of travel and a less scheduled life, they emphasized that family remains a priority and they cherish spending time with their children, highlighting the enduring bond within the Jon Bon Jovi family.
In conclusion, Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley have successfully navigated the challenges of fame while raising a close-knit and accomplished family. Their children, Stephanie, Jesse, Jake, and Romeo, have each carved their own paths, reflecting the values of hard work and family instilled by their parents. From business ventures to careers in entertainment and personal milestones, the Bon Jovi family continues to capture public interest, demonstrating the enduring strength of their family bond.
