Inside Jon Bon Jovi’s Home Where He Raised His Big Family with School Sweetheart

Jon Bon Jovi, born John Francis Bongiovi Jr., on March 2, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He gained recognition and fame as the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Bon Jovi, established in 1983. Besides launching 15 studio albums with his band, he has also released two solo albums.

Bon Jovi’s mother, Carol Sharkey, had a background in modeling and was among the early Playboy Bunnies. She met his father, John Francis Bongiovi Sr., when he was in the U.S. Marines. Bon Jovi is reportedly a blood relative to the legendary Frank Sinatra, his great paternal uncle.

While many are familiar with Bon Jovi ruling the music arena since the 80s, few might know about his picture-perfect love story. He’s been married to Dorothea Hurley since April 29, 1989, and the couple has remained faithful to their union for an astonishing 34 years.

On another occasion, Bon Jovi playfully remarked that he looked to the “love of his life” for advice and information on cosmetic procedures, including Botox and hair weaves.

According to legend, Bon Jovi and Hurley crossed paths aged 18 when he sought her assistance with answers during a history exam. Meanwhile, Hurley, then crowned a junior martial arts champion, was striving to navigate her way through school at Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey.

In a short span of time, they forged a close friendship and spent ample time in each other’s company. However, as they entered their early 20s, they discovered that their companionship was gradually transforming into a romantic relationship.

At that point, Bon Jovi had established the band Bon Jovi, featuring David Bryan on keyboards, Alec John Such on bass, Tico Torres on drums, and guitarist Richie Sambora. He was rapidly gaining popularity, becoming a well-known name in households.

By 1989, Bon Jovi and Hurley felt a strong need to solidify their relationship. Seizing the opportunity during a break in Bon Jovi’s band’s “The New Jersey Syndicate Tour” in Los Angeles, they covertly embarked on a trip to Las Vegas, tying the knot in a secret wedding ceremony.

Everything happened so quickly that the pair didn’t even have rings to wear. Ever since that special moment, the couple has happily stayed married and been blessed with the gift of four children: Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, 30, Jesse Bongiovi, 28, Jacob “Jake” Hurley Bongiovi, 21, and Romeo Jon Bongiovi, 19.

In a world of temporary flings and soul-crushing breakups, the “Livin on a Prayer” singer’s unwavering commitment to his spouse is a shining example for people within and outside show business. Bon Jovi, who has referred to himself as the “poster boy for marriage” on numerous occasions, said about his wife:

“[Dorothea] is very wise. She gave me four great kids…I did it right the first time, and she is great and undyingly loyal.”

The “Runaway” alum stated that if he were jokingly regarded as the poster boy for rock and roll marriages, he would accept it, adding that the incredible Irish singer-songwriter Paul David Hewson, a.k.a. Bono, had been married for just as long.

The rockstar and his high school sweetheart’s heartwarming story seems straight out of a fairytale. In a 2020 interview, the couple shared views about their 40-year-long bond, from finishing each other’s sentences to nurturing their brood. When asked about the secret of their marriage, Bon Jovi replied:

“Mutual respect. Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.”

On another occasion, Bon Jovi playfully remarked that he looked to the “love of his life” for advice and information on cosmetic procedures, including Botox and hair weaves. Citing his lack of observation, he admitted to relying on his wife to identify people who had undergone such treatments, saying he couldn’t even recognize a toupee.

Details about Jon Bon Jovi’s Properties & the House Where He Now Lives

Bon Jovi hailed from a working-class family, striving to become a global phenomenon, filling stadiums with his fans and selling records by the millions. But behind the scenes, he’s a humble man who loves his wife and children and cherishes his family more than anything else.

In an exclusive 2012 interview, the rock ‘n’ roll singer gave a glimpse into his magnificent home across the river in Red Bank, New Jersey, sharing his thoughts about being a musician, husband, and father.

Bon Jovi, who also dabbled in acting, was asked if he made his children watch his own movies. “Yeah, only when they’re bad or when they’re in trouble,” he responded. When asked about teaching his kids gratitude and appreciation for their blessings, he highlighted the importance of leading by example.

The “Always” singer explained that despite having a beautiful kitchen in their home, they spent most of their time at the community kitchen, also known as the Soul Kitchen, where people had the option to pay for their meals or volunteer if they couldn’t afford it, without any prices listed on the menus.

When the interviewer portrayed Bon Jovi as the opposite of a typical rockstar, with a clean record devoid of drug addiction, being married to the same woman without any scandals and ongoing success, he beamed joyfully, adding that he couldn’t pursue a political career.

The European-inspired mansion called the “High Point,” featured a grand foyer, a state-of-the-art movie theater, a sophisticated bar with river views, and a picturesque kitchen with hand-painted beams and alabaster countertops.

As the “Bed of Roses” singer sat inside his spectacular recording studio, he was asked how he celebrated with a beer after successfully composing a song. “We’ve got that problem solved: there are no drunk driving tickets in the perfect utopian world in which we live,” answered Bon Jovi.

He also had an area devoted to his family in his estate spanning 16 acres, boasting an exquisite waterfront and a mesmerizing view of the Atlantic Ocean. The “Story of My Life” singer showed a pass-through hallway to the family wing inside his house.

The hallway was decorated with several photos of Bon Jovi and Hurley with their kids and was not only a special place for the rockstar but also a befitting tribute to his family. It perfectly encapsulated Bon Jovi’s priorities in life besides being a world-class musician, highlighting his roles as a loving husband and devoted father.

(L-R) Family portraits showing Dorothea Hurley Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi with their kids | Source: youtube.com/Bon Jovi Pearl

During the interview, Bon Jovi was asked if it had been tough to be the kind of father he wanted to be, considering his prominent public persona. He responded by saying that it was both challenging and not.

He acknowledged missing his children’s birthdays and school plays over the years while pointing out the benefit of having extended periods off when he wasn’t on tour or recording new music.

Besides amassing love and praise from his fans worldwide, Bon Jovi has also managed to rake in millions of dollars through his successful music career. The band frontman knows how to live lavishly, and his unique style is reflected in the many properties he’s owned over the years.

One of his most outstanding estates was the palatial waterside chateau in New Jersey, which he reportedly put on sale for $20 million in 2020. The house—an epitome of luxury and elegance—was custom-built in 1999 for him and his wife, where the couple lived with their four children.

Situated on 15 acres of landscaped gardens with 700-ft of Navesink River frontage, the famous architect Robert A.M. Stern designed the French-inspired chateau.

The European-inspired mansion called the “High Point,” featured a grand foyer, a state-of-the-art movie theater, a sophisticated bar with river views, and a picturesque kitchen with hand-painted beams and alabaster countertops.

The property also boasted a beautiful pool area, outbuildings such as a carriage house and the charming “Shoe Inn” pub, and a loft-style recording studio in the converted stables. The exceptional estate offered a perfect blend of stunning architecture, scenic vistas, and luxurious amenities.

Bon Jovi, his wife, and their brood of four lived in their customized Middletown, N.J. home for many years, but in 2020, they reportedly moved to a $43 million mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. The home was built in 2007, designed by the renowned architect Thomas Kirchoff, with the interior designed by David Kleinberg.

The house features hardwood floors, a marble interior, and incredible cyclist ceilings. It boasts five powder rooms, a grand dining hall, and a dreamy ocean view.

The mansion also has a courtyard, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and an air-conditioned three-car garage. It has seven bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a magnificent pool area, and a cabana.

A distant shot showing Jon Bon Jovi’s French-inspired chateau in New Jersey | Source: youtube.com/TheRichest

Jon Bon Jovi’s European-inspired mansion in New Jersey | Source: youtube.com/TheRichest

Despite having a flair for extravagant mansions and expensive properties, Bon Jovi is a true home lover and takes great pride in being grounded. Even on his tours, the rock legend never forgets the place he’s always called home for all intents and purposes: New Jersey.

In one of his tweets from July 2022, the “Keep the Faith” singer posted a photo of himself wearing a black shirt on tour bearing the words, “New Jersey Vs Everybody.” The caption read, “What the shirt said.”

In another tweet from May 2023, he reposted another user’s tweet: “what comes to mind when you think of New Jersey? for me it’s Bon Jovi [sic].” The mega rockstar’s response was short and sweet: “Home.”

Jon Bon Jovi’s magnificent mansion in New Jersey | Source: youtube.com/TheRichest

Owing to his attachment and fondness for N.J., which has long served as his safe haven, Bon Jovi didn’t think twice before turning to his Red Bank property when the pandemic struck and devastated N.Y.C. in 2020.

Alongside his wife and youngest son, Romeo, the “Blaze of Glory” singer left Manhattan and sought shelter in his family home, regrouping with their three older children. Bon Jovi reflected that his family spent more time in that house than they had in over ten years. The cozy mansion where the pair quarantined was the same place where they raised their older kids.

A Glimpse into Jon Bon Jovi’s Lifestyle & Family Life Today

With his beloved wife beside him, Bon Jovi has engaged in multiple acts of service, making sincere efforts to bring about a positive change in people’s lives. In 2006, he and Hurley launched the Soul Foundation, aimed at uplifting the underprivileged members of society. Hurley explained:

″When we see injustice or people suffering, you want to help. We’re very blessed, and we have the ability to do that.″

One of the projects of the Soul Foundation is Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Kitchen, a non-profit community restaurant in New Jersey, operated under takeout-only service. The restaurant accepts cash donations from diners, which covers their own meals as well as a meal for someone in need.

Despite the absence of its usual in-house volunteers, the kitchen manages to continue functioning with the assistance of none other than Bon Jovi himself, who gladly steps forward to help with dishwashing.

Meanwhile, Bon Jovi shared that he had found his greatest happiness in loving his work, caring for his family, and striving to make the world a better place.

In a 2012 interview with Steve Forbes, Chairman of Forbes Media, the Grammy winner related his personal experience of leveraging fame as a force for good. Thinking of himself as someone who deeply felt for others, Bon Jovi reflected:

“I’m smart enough to know what I don’t know, and I know how to engage people, and I know how to include them in what it is that we’re doing and how the power of ‘We’ makes that difference.”

Bon Jovi, whose net worth was estimated at $410 million by Forbes in 2016, leads a comfortable and fulfilling life today with his loving family. He reportedly owns an impressive collection of private jets, cars, and motorbikes.

One of the first airplane models used by Bon Jovi was a G159 Gulfstream I—an executive twin-engine turboprop aircraft that was chartered for his band tours in the 1990s. At the time, such an airplane cost a whopping $600,000. Later, the rockstar used a gigantic Boeing 707 to transport his team more comfortably.

One of his most stylish cars was a custom Dodge Viper—a sports car that went on sale in 2015 for $140,000. He still loves to drive his well-preserved 1970 Chevy Chevelle RagTop, with an estimated worth of up to $180,000.

Recently, Bon Jovi and his son, Jesse, launched their own brand of wine called Hampton Water, which has become a best-seller in a very short period.

Even at 61, Bon Jovi is going strong, surrounded by his loved ones as he humbly indulges in acts of kindness and charitable endeavors, showing the world that beneath the guise of fame and popularity, he’s a true gentleman with a heart of gold.