Jon Bon Jovi Loves Wife for 33 Years after Dodging Divorce – Couple Bonds over Cooking & Building Homes for Homeless

Jon Bon Jovi once struggled through dark times, but his strong faith and support system helped him toward a better place. The singer uses his success to help the homeless with food and housing. Fortunately, his wife has the same kind heart and helps with different initiatives. They have been together for over three decades, living in marital bliss.

Born John Francis Bongiovi in 1962, the famous musician comes from a secure family. His parents were both in the Marines but later pursued different careers. His father became a hairdresser, while his mother became a florist.

Jon was only a teenager when he performed with local bands. At 21, he formed his singing group, Bon Jovi, with other members: Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torress. It would only take a while before Jon became a singing sensation with his single, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

Jon Bongiovi sits by the staircase of a church during an interview with “Today,” in 2020. | Source: Today

His career was undoubtedly a success. Jon and his band released 11 studio albums and held over 2,700 concerts in different countries. Millions and millions of fans raved to hear Bon Jovi play live, and in 2008, the famous band became the top best-selling tour act.

However, along with the glitz and glamour fame brought, Jon faced challenges most stars couldn’t escape. Jon consumed too much alcohol and struggled with getting through his darkest times. His perfect straight white teeth stood out in his middle-aged physique, but he was also ten pounds overweight.

“I’m not the fat Elvis. At 48, I look okay. But you know, I’m coming to real good terms with getting older,” he said in 2010. Jon believes aging is much better than dying, despite the changes in his looks. “You can see why people get fat, grow old, give up! Because every day is: get up, do the same mundane [expletive]”.

Jon, a self-proclaimed “recovering Catholic,” does not abide by religious practices. However, he strengthened his faith through prayer. “I pray every day, several times,” Jon said. His connection with God soothes him; although he doesn’t ask for much, good health is always in his prayers.

Growing up in a Catholic household and school, Jon wasn’t touched by the religious set-up of going to mass. However, he believes in spirituality and personal connection with a higher power. A good spirituality, according to Jon, will reflect outwardly through actions.

In 2019, Jon, through his Soul Foundation, collaborated with Help USA to build 77 homes for homeless Washington war veterans.

Jon has since been a man of action, helping others toward a better life in the big and small ways he knows how. He used his voice and resources to leave a positive impact on the lives of others.

Helping the Homeless

At age 54, Jon’s net worth racked up to $410 million, ranking 16 on America’s Wealthiest Celebrities list. This comes as no surprise with the decades of hard work and dedication he poured into the music industry.

Growing up, Jon saw his parents work to make ends meet. Born and raised in a working-class family, Jon was a self-made man who used his time and talents to generate the millions he has today. From millions sold album copies to sold-out concerts, being on the road for decades made Jovi the epitome of hard work.

Still, the superstar remains grounded. In 1986, Jovi used his hard-earned money to better the lives of teenagers. His non-profit organization, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, founded Soul Homes, an initiative that supports teenagers navigating through foster care and transitioning into adulthood. It also helped low-income earners in the vicinity.

In 2019, Jon, through his Soul Foundation, collaborated with Help USA to build 77 homes for homeless Washington war veterans. The effort helped veterans rebuild their lives, secure safety through comfortable accommodations, and build camaraderie with fellow veterans through community activities.

While the Walter Reed facility took years to build, the outcome made many happy. The housing project has a gym, lounge area, courtyard, and computer room, livable for up to 300 veterans.

In partnership with Help USA, the Walter Reed facility also has several programs that help veterans earn income and budget properly to cater to expenses. Many veterans live off their pensions and social security benefits while still generating money through part-time work. Help USA said:

“Over time, JBJ Soul Homes will give hundreds of people a permanent home with supportive services that will allow them to flourish.”

A documentary titled “To Be of Service” was also released, featuring a Jon Bon Jovi-written track, “Unbroken.” The song’s profits were donated to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, which helps veterans with service dogs.

With few volunteers, Jon came to the rescue and helped in operations. CNN claimed Jon helped five days a week during the pandemic’s start until July 2020, when restrictions were lifted.

Jon’s Soul Foundation has since aided in building over 600 housing units and living facilities in ten US states. This has catered to thousands of veterans and youth community members, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Besides providing funding, Jon is also hands-on in helping others. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a photograph of the legendary rockstar washing the dishes in a food bank made rounds online. The caption read:

“This superstar is washing dishes at one of his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants that deed the homeless […]. Instead of disappearing to wait out the pandemic in a fancy penthouse somewhere, Jon Bon Jovi is showing up [as] a dishwasher.”

JBJ Soul Kitchen is one of the many arms of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. It provides meals for the homeless in communities without charge. During the pandemic, the initiative found itself lacking in staffing.

With few volunteers, Jon came to the rescue and helped in operations. CNN claimed Jon helped five days a week during the pandemic’s start until July 2020, when restrictions were lifted.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen’s official Instagram account also encouraged others to lend a helping hand. They reposted Jon’s viral photo washing the dishes and captioned it, “If you can’t do what you do… do what you can!” Despite being famous, Jon “enjoys” washing dishes and cooking for the homeless.

Fortunately, Jon found a life partner with the same values and heart to help others. His wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, is also active in their Soul Foundation and shared how their ideas turned into reality. “We look at each other, ‘They need a food bank. Let’s open a food bank!’ We just go and do it,” she said.

As people who genuinely care for other people’s well-being, Dorothea and Jon work on what society needs. JBJ Soul Foundation began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when Jon was in his hotel room and spotted a homeless man outside.

Many thoughts immediately ran through his mind, but he realized that the foundation affected anyone homeless – regardless of race, politics, age, or gender. Jon and Dorothea worked to create a foundation targeting all homeless and helpless people.

Their Las Vegas wedding was an on-the-spot decision without anyone knowing. However, it was a choice that cemented their relationship forever.

While the organization initially focused on homelessness, the couple later expanded their efforts to feed the hungry. By 2020, the JBJ Soul Kitchen had three community restaurants in New Jersey. The couple continued expanding their food bank initiative and have been heroes in their own ways.

Side by Side with Loving Wife for 33 Years

Jon and Dorothea Bongiovi were high school sweethearts who met in the ’80s at Sayreville War Memorial High School, New Jersey. As Jon recalled, he had an instant attraction to his wife, who allowed him to look at her answers during a test.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi during Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 1996, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Jon and Dorothea briefly broke up in 1985. During this time, Jon left to tour with his band. However, the pair longed for each other and eventually rekindled their relationship.

Dorothea eventually tied the knot in 1989, nine years after they met. By then, Bon Jovi had already basked in their success with a number-one album, single, and concerts at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Their Las Vegas wedding was an on-the-spot decision without anyone knowing. However, it was a choice that cemented their relationship forever. It wasn’t until eight years later that they welcomed a child. On May 31, 1993, Jon and Dorothea had their first daughter, Stephanie, born in Red Bank, New Jersey.

The couple welcomed another child, a son named Jesse, on February 19, 1995, who became a businessman with his wine label, Hampton Water.

Jon Bongiovi and wife Dorothea Bongiovi during the premiere of “Stand Up Guys” After Party at The Plaza Hotel on December 9, 2012 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

On May 7, 2002, Jon and Dorothea welcomed another baby boy, Jacob Bongiovi. Jon had a show in New Orleans the day before his arrival and nearly missed Jacob’s birth. Fortunately, he took a private plane home and made it in time.

Although not a singer, Jacob pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actor. He famously dated “Stranger Things” actress Millie Bobby Brown.

Because of his demanding job, Jon missed several milestones in his children’s lives, but Dorothea has been supportive and stood as the rock of their family.

Jon and Dorothea welcomed another son, Romeo, two years after Jacob’s birth, on March 29, 2004. The pair tried to keep their children out of the spotlight in their youth. However, Stephanie appeared on stage at seven, joining her dad to perform “I’ve Got the Girl.” Jon opened up about fatherhood:

“You think you’re in love when you’re a kid, and you meet your wife and get married, but you know you’re in love after you have a child.”

Jon and Dorothea’s marriage has withstood the test of time, and their love remains unshaken. The singer credits his wife for the success of their relationship, admitting that he has not always been the perfect partner.

Because of his demanding job, Jon missed several milestones in his children’s lives, but Dorothea has been supportive and stood as the rock of their family.

Even when Jon became a superstar, his father and mother refused excessive help from their son and continued to work to support themselves. Beyond being supportive, Jon’s parents are why he has good values and work ethic.

Mutual respect has also been the key to a happy married life for over three decades. ″Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out,” he said.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi during the “Stand Up Guys” premiere at the Harris Theater on October 11, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. | Source: Getty Images

As someone with a successful marriage, Jon tried to be a helping hand when his bandmates went through divorces. Bon Jovi drummer, Torres, has been through two divorces, while their guitarist, Sambora, had one difficult divorce with Heather Locklear.

“I’ve seen my guys go through divorces and difficult times, and trying to leave it off the stage isn’t easy,” Jon said. He knows he is blessed to have an understanding, hands-on wife and mother in Dorothea.

Dorothea was also Jon’s constant source of strength when he went through his darkest times. Sambora left the band during those years, and Bon Jovi experienced a bitter dispute with his record label.

His wife was the one who pulled him out of the darkness. Admittedly, he may not have recovered without Dorothea’s help. “My wife has been phenomenal,” he said.

Jon Bongiovi and Dorothea Bongiovi after opening the BEAT center in Toms River, New Jersey, on May 10, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

Besides his wife, Jon had another pillar of support in his life, his father, John Francis Bongiovi Sr. Before Bon Jovi had a taste of success, John Sr. would feed his son’s bandmates and care for them.

He also tried to help Jon’s success progress through connections. John Sr. endorsed his son to his cousin, Tony, a New York City music studio owner. Fortunately, Tony helped Jon jumpstart his career by producing the singer’s music.

Even when Jon became an international superstar, his father and mother refused excessive help from their son and continued to work to support themselves. Beyond being supportive, Jon’s parents are the reason behind his good values and work ethic.

They led by example during the singer’s growing years and taught their son to dream big and achieve his goals with hard work. Jon has undoubtedly become a role model to many others. He credits those who helped him along the way to become the man he is today.