Turner and Fonda

January 4, 2000
Web posted at: 4:34 p.m. EST (2134 GMT)

ATLANTA (CNN) -- CNN founder and Time Warner Vice Chairman Ted Turner and wife Jane Fonda said Tuesday they are separating, but remain "committed to the long-term success of our marriage."

The two have been married since December 21, 1991.

In a brief statement, Turner and Fonda said, "While we continue to be committed to the long-term success of our marriage, we find ourselves at a juncture where we must each take some personal time for ourselves. Therefore, we have mutually decided to spend some time apart.

"We ask that you respect this decision."

In building his media empire, Turner started with Turner Broadcasting Systems and through acquisitions and the creation of new companies expanded his holdings to include Turner Network Television (TNT), CNN, CNN International, CNN Headline News, CNN/SI (with Sports Illustrated), CNNfn, the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks and the Thrashers -- all sister companies to CNN.com.

His television operations were acquired in 1996 by Time Warner Inc., Turner becoming its vice chairman. In 1998, the New Yorker reported that he was considering a run for the White House in 2000, and quoted him saying, "I am very serious about running for president, but Jane doesn't want me to do it."

Fonda's family ranks among the aristocracy of the United States film industry. She and brother Peter are the children of screen star Henry Fonda. Her niece, Bridget Fonda, is also a popular actress. Jane Fonda won an Academy Award for her performance in "Klute" (1971), but has largely stepped away from acting since marrying Turner.

Turner, married three times, has five children. Fonda has also been married three times, and has three children from her earlier marriages. Turner and Fonda have several residences, including a 7,000-acre spread in Montana, where they raise bison.