Carol Bongiovi, the mother of Jon Bon Jovi, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83, a few days before becoming 84, due to an undisclosed cause. In a statement to People magazine, the singer confirmed the news on behalf of his family. Carol Bongiovi, whose husband John Francis Bongiovi she met while they were both in the Marines, relocated to Sayreville, New Jersey in 1940 after being born Carol Sharkey in Erie, Pennsylvania. 1962 saw the birth of their future rock star son, Jon. Carol was one of the original Playboy bunnies and a florist. In Laura Jackson’s 2004 book Jon Bon Jovi: The Biography, it is stated that at the age of seven, Carol gave Jon his first guitar and inspired him to pursue his musical goals. Later, she founded the band’s fan club with the nickname “Mom Jovi.”
Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family. She will be greatly missed.