'A force to be reckoned with': Jon Bon Jovi pays tribute to mom Carol Bongiovi as she dies at 83
LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY: Jon Bon Jovi's mother, Carol Bongiovi, died on Tuesday, July 8, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, at the age of 83.
The singer confirmed his mother's death in a statement on Tuesday, but the cause of death remains undisclosed.
On behalf of his family, he said, "Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family. She will be greatly missed."
The Bongiovi family has arranged a private funeral service at Holmdel Funeral Home.
Who was Carol Bongiovi?
Carol, affectionately known as Mom Jovi by some fans of Bon Jovi, died three days before her 84th birthday. Apart from being a business owner, she played an active role in managing her son's fan club, as per Daily Mail.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Carol enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1959, where she met her future husband, John Bongiovi, Sr, whom she was married to for 63 years. They later settled in Sayreville, New Jersey, before ultimately moving to Holmdel, New Jersey.
According to a 2021 story from Asbury Park Press, Carol was also a former Playboy model and once operated a flower shop in Woodbridge, New Jersey with her husband.
Laura Jackson's 2005 biography, 'Jon Bon Jovi', revealed that Carol played a pivotal role in her son's early musical journey. She purchased him his first acoustic guitar and encouraged him to pursue music seriously during his teenage years.
The musical matriarch enjoyed spending time with her eldest son in front of a full-length mirror, where they would have fun performing songs together.
Carol is survived by her husband, John Bongiovi, Sr, and her three sons: Jon Bon Jovi, Anthony Bongiovi, and Matthew Bongiovi. She is also survived by her three daughters-in-law, Dorothea Bon Jovi, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Desiree Bongiovi, as well as eight grandchildren.
Jon Bon Jovi's parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams
In a November 2020 interview, Bon Jovi reflected on how his parents instilled in him and his siblings the belief that they could turn their dreams into reality.
"Even if you truly weren't any good at your craft, if you believed you were, you could work on it," shared the 'It's My Life' singer, as per PEOPLE Magazine.
He added, "As I got older I realized that was a great gift that I got from my folks. 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."
Bon Jovi emphasized that his mother and father always supported his musical ambitions, allowing him to perform in shows when he was just 17, which he now views as remarkable in hindsight.
He recounted, "I could get home at one or two in the morning, and have to still be in school by [8 a.m.] ... they just said, 'Show up on time for school, you know that is your responsibility, but pursue your dream.'"
Fans offer their condolences on Carol Bongiovi's death
Fans flocked to pay respect to Bon Jovi's beloved mother as the news of her death came to light.
A Facebook user wrote, "Rest easy Mrs. B. you will be missed. Thank you for all the great memories at the fanclub events. Love and prayers to the family," and another added, "I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss Jon. At least she was able to see her grandson get married. May she Rest in Peace."
A person shared, "I am so sorry to read this. She was such a lovely, kind person. I was so fortunate to meet her at a Backstage w/ JBJ event back in the day. My deepest condolences to the entire Bongiovi family during this difficult time. RIP Mrs. B. 🙏❤️✨."
"Sad news. Rest well mother you did well by, for andvod your life, children. May your loss just be the love that envelops your loved ones, friends in a heartfelt way of fond memories," stated someone else, while one more expressed, "So very sad, I have been a Bon Jovi fan since 84’ and to watch her & Mr. Bongiovi back his career. RIP Mrs. Carol Bongiovi."
An individual remembered her, writing, "OMG.. I met her several times. She was always so nice.. so sad to hear this.. 😢 My condolences to JBJ and the entire Bongiovi family 🙏💗 I will always remember our FC campouts and how she always took such great care of us.. she made sure us few that camped out all night ALWAYS got front row at every concert back in the day.. she was awesome 💕RIP Mrs. B.. xoxo 😢💔🙏."
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