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Ted Turner, founder of CNN and ex-husband of Jane Fonda, dies aged 87

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Ted Turner has died at the age of 87
Ted Turner has died at the age of 87. Picture: Getty

By Flaminia Luck

Ted ‌Turner, ​the ​founder ⁠of ​CNN has ​died ​at the ‌age ⁠of ​87, ​the network announced ​on ​Wednesday.

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Turner died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family, according to a news release from Turner Enterprises.

The Ohio-born Atlanta businessman was nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” and and "Captain Outrageous" for his outspoken nature.

He was married to Hollywood icon Jane Fonda between 1991 to 2001.

As a philanthropist later in life, the media mogul gave $1 billion to create the United Nations Foundation, a public charity to broaden US support for the United Nations.

Ted Turner and Jane Fonda at the 12th Annual National Cable ACE Awards in 1991
Ted Turner and Jane Fonda at the 12th Annual National Cable ACE Awards in 1991. Picture: Alamy
Ted Turner, chairman of Turner Broadcasting in September 1993. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Ted Turner, chairman of Turner Broadcasting in September 1993. Picture: Alamy
Jane Fonda and Ted Turner at 62nd Annual Academy Awards Los Angeles California
Jane Fonda and Ted Turner at 62nd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles California. Picture: Alamy
Ted Turner attends The 30th Anniversary Screening of “When Harry Met Sally…”
Ted Turner attends The 30th Anniversary Screening of “When Harry Met Sally…”. Picture: Getty

Turner also devoted his assets to environmental causes and at one point was the largest private landowner in the US.

He played a crucial role in reintroducing bison to the American west and managed to bring back the species from the brink of extinction.

With approximately 51,000 of the animals, Turner had the world’s largest private bison herd.

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