Jon Bon Jovi Reveals His Closest Friends Were “Furious” When He Eloped With His Wife

Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi and his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley have been married for 35 years, but their journey began in a way that surprised everyone around them.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Bon Jovi revealed that their wedding was far from conventional. He and Dorothea secretly eloped in Las Vegas, leaving their inner circle, including bandmates, management, and even family, completely stunned.

The suddenness of their decision caused quite a stir. Bon Jovi expressed his disappointment at the initial reactions. “It’s a shame because it should have been a beautiful moment,” the singer revealed.

However, he stood firm, questioning the need to live their lives based on others’ expectations. This bold move ultimately proved successful, as their love story continues to thrive decades later.

Bon Jovi and His Impromptu Vegas Wedding

Bon Jovi, 62, married his then-fiancée Dorthea while on tour. He described the moment, “We were in Los Angeles, California, the band was on the road on the New Jersey tour, and if you opened up the curtains of my hotel room, there’s a big billboard of the five of us [band members] staring into my window.”

He then revealed how he proposed to his then-girlfriend, “We had a night off, and I said, ‘I need a higher high — I got an idea. Let’s go to Vegas now.’ And she said, ‘Now?’ I said, ‘Now’.” 

The “Living on a Prayer” singer met his wife while they were students at Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey. They dated until 1985, briefly breaking up for five months before rekindling their romance.

In 1989, they tied the knot at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas and have built a beautiful family together. They share four children: daughter Stephanie (30), and sons Jesse (29), Jake (21), and Romeo (20).

Rumors and the Hit “Bed of Roses”

The rockstar faced rumors and allegations of infidelity in 1993. He addressed these speculations in his hit song “Bed of Roses”. The lyrics hint at a potential infidelity while expressing his devotion to his wife: “Now as you close your eyes/ Know I’ll be thinking about you/ While my mistress she calls me/ To stand in her spotlight again/ Tonight I won’t be alone / But you know that don’t mean I’m not lonely.”

Despite the rumors, Bon Jovi’s marriage has endured for over three decades. He attributes the success to “a mutual admiration society, and being lucky enough to have grown up together.” He also acknowledges his wife’s tolerance for the pressures of his rockstar lifestyle.

In a 2016 interview, Dorothea echoed his sentiment, stating, “Somehow it works. I think because we grow at the same rate. We grew equally and not in opposite directions.” Their shared journey and mutual respect seem to be the cornerstone of their long-lasting relationship.

A Lasting Love Story

Reflecting on their long-lasting relationship, Bon Jovi expressed a sense of contentment, believing he “got it right the first time” with his wife Dorothea. Their bond extends beyond the personal, as they co-founded the JBJ Soul Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organization focuses on providing affordable housing and meals to those in need.

Dorothea has been a constant source of support throughout the iconic singer’s career, both during his triumphs and challenges. In 2022, he underwent vocal cord surgery due to vocal atrophy, a significant setback for a musician. He acknowledged the emotional toll it took, stating, “The thing that gave me so much pleasure had been taken away.”

Despite the difficulties, Bon Jovi emphasizes the importance of finding joy and adapting to life’s circumstances. He shared, “Joy is something you got to work at, right? Happiness is what you make it. It’s not about seizing the day anymore. I think it’s about embracing the day.”

This shift in perspective reflects a newfound appreciation for life’s simple moments and the unwavering support he finds in his wife.

Beyond the Music: Philanthropy and Family

Following his vocal cord surgery, Bon Jovi made his triumphant return to the stage in early February after being honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year.

While acknowledging the ongoing recovery process, he expressed his ultimate goal: “My need, want, desire is to be able to do two-and-a-half hours a night, four nights a week for months on end.”

Bon Jovi’s latest project, a four-part docuseries titled Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, premiered on Hulu on April 26th. This in-depth exploration promises to delve into “the epic past and uncertain future of one of the most recognizable bands in the world and its front-man Jon Bon Jovi.”