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Ted Turner<\/strong>, the legendary media mogul who helped change television forever by launching CNN, has died. He was 87.<\/p>\n Turner Enterprises confirmed his death on Wednesday (May 6), according to CNN<\/a>.<\/p>\n Known for his larger-than-life personality and groundbreaking approach to media, Turner left a lasting mark on television, sports and pop culture over the course of his decades-long career.<\/p>\n Turner rose to prominence after purchasing a struggling Atlanta TV station in 1970 and transforming it into a media empire.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> 50 Celebrities With a History of Protest<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n That eventually led to the launch of CNN in 1980 \u2014 the world\u2019s first 24-hour cable news network \u2014 a move that completely reshaped the news industry.<\/p>\n \u201cTed was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,\u201d CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson said in a statement. \u201cHe was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.\u201d<\/p>\n Turner\u2019s influence stretched far beyond cable news.<\/p>\n He also owned the Atlanta Braves<\/strong> and Atlanta Hawks<\/strong>, helping turn the Braves into a nationally recognized franchise during the 1990s, including their 1995 World Series win.<\/p>\n Known for his outspoken nature, love of sailing and unpredictable style, Turner earned nicknames like \u201cThe Mouth of the South\u201d and \u201cCaptain Outrageous.\u201d<\/p>\n In 1977, he even won the prestigious America\u2019s Cup yacht race.<\/p>\n Turner was also well known for his high-profile relationship with actor and activist Jane Fonda<\/a>.<\/p>\n The pair married in 1991 and remained together for 10 years before divorcing in 2001 Despite the split, Fonda later said, \u201cI will never love anyone like I love him.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2018, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder.<\/p>\n He described feeling \u201ctired\u201d and \u201cexhausted,\u201d adding that forgetfulness had become one of the hardest symptoms to deal with.<\/p>\n Even later in life, Turner remained reflective about the legacy he would leave behind.<\/p>\nThe Man Behind CNN<\/h3>\n
More Than Just Television<\/h3>\n
His Relationship With Jane Fonda<\/h3>\n
Health Battle and Legacy<\/h3>\n