Who Are Ted Turner's Children and Grandchildren?
Legendary media pioneer Ted Turner died on Wednesday, May 6, at the age of 87. The philanthropist and entrepreneur is survived by his five children and 14 grandchildren.
Ted Turner, a Visionary Legend
Turner's media legacy includes a rich history of firsts. He began his career with Turner Advertising Company. By the mid-1970s, he had launched TBS Superstation and bought two major sports teams (the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks). In 1980, he debuted the first 24-7 global news network - CNN.
The mogul's extensive career also includes launching CNN Headline News, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.
Turner Enterprises said in a statement (released on Wednesday), "On behalf of the Turner family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of philanthropist, environmentalist and cable pioneer Ted Turner who died peacefully today at age 87, surrounded by his family."
Along with citing his extensive career, the statement also read, "He was a man known for his no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humor, and underlying loyalty to those around him…He is survived by his five children - Laura Turner Seydel (Rutherford), Robert E. (Teddy) Turner IV (Blair), Rhett Turner, Beau Turner (Georgia), Jennifer Turner Garlington (Peek), fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren."
Ted Turner's Children
Even though Turner was almost always in the spotlight, he didn't raise his children in the public eye. Turner welcomed two children with his first wife, Judy (Nye) Turner, daughter Laura, and son "Teddy." He also had three children with Jane Smith Turner: Beau, Rhett, and Jennifer.
Turner's eldest daughter, Laura Seydel, is following in her dad's footsteps. No, she's not a budding media mogul. Instead, she takes after her dad's environmentalist side. Seydel is the chair of the Captain Planet Foundation and serves on boards for organizations including Project Drawdown and Waterkeeper Alliance. Her brother Robert Edward "Teddy" Turner IV has worked in television production and the yachting industry. Teddy is currently a high school economics teacher.
Beau Turner is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Turner Endangered Species Fund and the Director of Natural Resources and Biodiversity for Turner Enterprises, Inc. Beau's brother, Rhett, is a filmmaker and photographer who is the president of Red Sky Productions. "Jennie" (Turner) Garlington is a Trustee of the Turner Foundation. She formerly served on the board of directors for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Ted Turner's Grandchildren
Turner wasn't just a grandpa. He was also a great-grandpa! The media maverick had a large family, with 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Turner Enterprises' statement asked for privacy during this difficult time, allowing the family to "grieve the death of their beloved patriarch."
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:57 AM.