Jon Bon Jovi at "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" UK Premiere

Jon Bon Jovi Brings Back The 'Story of Love' To Honor Late Mother

Home / Entertainment / Jon Bon Jovi Brings Back The 'Story of Love' To Honor Late Mother

By Afouda Bamidele on July 11, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT

Jon Bon Jovi honors late mother, Carol Bongiovi, a day after her heartbreaking death with his hit 2020 ballad, "Story of Love."

The Bon Jovi frontman, born John Francis Bongiovi Jr., lost his mother just days before her 84th birthday. His family addressed her death in a poignant statement while the singer paid homage to her on social media.

Jon Bon Jovi's mother—rest her soul—was a pivotal part of his rise to fame, an influence he has never forgotten.

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Jon Bon Jovi Serenades Late Mom Carol Bongiovi In Touching Tribute

Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Jon Bon Jovi
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On Wednesday, Jon shared a snippet of his band's "Story of Love" music video on Instagram. The emotional clip, released in 2020, became his final tribute to his mother, who made several appearances in the footage.

The video captured Jon strumming his guitar in front of a wall filled with family photos. There were also scenes of him singing before a large window, serenading listeners as his family's history was reflected on the window's surface.

"Fathers love daughters like mothers love sons / They've been writing our story before there was one / From the day you arrive, 'til you walk, 'til you run / There is nothing but pride, there is nothing but love," the 62-year-old performed with the clip ending on a throwback clip of his mother.

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Jon Bon Jovi's Mother Will Always Have A Place In His Heart

The emotional lyrics did the talking for Jon, and he offered no additional tributes in the post's caption. He noted that his mother would remain an essential part of his life and his family's, writing: "Momma, We carry you with us Always."

The singer's touching post resonated with fans, who expressed condolences in the comment section. "Really sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. Loss is the hardest part about life, losing those we love," someone penned.

Breaking Benjamin drummer Shaun Foist echoed similar sentiments, writing, "I'm so sorry, Jon. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences for you and your family. She sure was proud of you, and you were a great son. She knew she was loved."

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Jon Bon Jovi's Mother Passed Away At 83

A day before his tribute, The Blast reported that Jon's mother passed away at the Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J. The matriarch's family confirmed her death in a statement, with the singer saying:

"Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family. She will be greatly missed."

Carol originated from Erie, Pennsylvania, and spent a significant portion of her life being her son's biggest fan. She founded the Bon Jovi fan club and found success in diverse careers, from entrepreneurship to serving a Playboy bunny.

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Inside Carol Bongiovi's Life And Death

Jon Bon Jovi 'Unsure' Of Future Concerts: 'Still Recovering from a Major Surgery'
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Carol met her husband and Jon's father, John Bongiovi Sr., after enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959. She relocated from Pennsylvania to Sayreville with her beau, where they raised their family.

The Bongiovis eventually settled in Holmdel, where Carol lived until her passing at 83. As stated, she died a few days short of her 84th birthday; however, an official cause of death has not been released.

Besides being Jon's mother, Carol will be remembered as a significant influence in his career. Her son honored her contributions in a 2005 biography, noting that she bought him an acoustic guitar and encouraged him to play it.

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Jon Bon Jovi Addressed His Vocal Cord Surgery

Prince Harry meets Jon Bon Jovi
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Three months before his mother's passing, The Blast reported that Jon had opened up about his vocal cord surgery. He underwent the operation two years ago after his vocal cords became dangerously swollen.

"So the strong one was pushing the weak one aside, and I wasn't singing well," Jon said at the time, noting that one vocal cord was as "thick as the thumb" and the other as "thick as a pinky."

Although two years had passed, the 62-year-old confessed that he hadn't regained 100% health. "I'm well back on the road to recovery. Not a day of it [is] easy. Every day is a struggle, but I'm more than capable of doing it again."

With his voice improving daily, Jon Bon Jovi's next tribute to his late mother may be an emotional song instead of a throwback video.

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