Carol Bongiovi, the mother of Jon Bon Jovi, died Tuesday of unspecified causes just three days before her birthday. She was age 83.
Bon Jovi confirmed the news in a statement shared with People magazine.
“Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family,” the statement read. “She will be greatly missed.”
Carol Bongiovi was born Carol Sharkey in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1940, and moved to Sayreville with her husband John Francis Bongiovi who she met when they were in the Marines. She worked as a florist and was one of the first Playboy bunnies.
Carol gave birth to Jon in 1962. She bought Jon his first guitar when he was seven and was supportive of his dreams of being a musician. She also was the founder of the band’s fan club which resulted in her nickname, “Mom Jovi,” according to the 2004 book “Jon Bon Jovi: The Biography” by Laura Jackson.
Bon Jovi previously told The Big Issue that he was able to make his dream become a reality because of his parents.
“As I got older I realized that was a great gift that I got from my folks,” he told the publication in 2020. They truly believed in the John Kennedy mantra of going to the moon. ‘Yeah, of course you can go to the moon. Just go, Johnny.’ And there I went.”
In the music video for his 2021 song “Story of Love,” Bon Jovi is seen singing in front of a giant portrait of his parents when they were younger.
More music coverage
- Bon Jovi hits new low as latest album plunges off chart
- Late country superstar’s daughter shares touching tribute for dad’s birthday
- Popular rock singer needs emergency surgery, band cancels tour dates
- Legendary rock bassist, played with Frank Zappa and Ray Charles, dead at 73
- Scammer impersonates legendary rock star, steals $122K from 75-year-old fan
Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.