Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jon Bon Jovi and his family for their tragic loss – Check the comments

Just a few days before his 62nd birthday, Jon Bon Jovi faced heartbreaking news—his mother, Carol Bongiovi, passed away at the age of 83. It’s hard to imagine the mix of grief and sorrow that must have washed over the singer, especially as he approached a milestone birthday. Jon, who has always spoken fondly of his mother, took a moment in the wake of her passing to reflect on her life and the incredible influence she had on his own.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Jon described Carol as “a force to be reckoned with,” capturing her strong personality and unwavering spirit. He spoke with affection and a deep sense of loss, telling them, “Her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family.” It was evident how deeply he and his family loved her and how much they will miss her presence. Her death on a Tuesday at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, marked the end of an era for the Bon Jovi family, but also a celebration of her remarkable life.

Carol was a woman who lived a rich and diverse life. She was a former Playboy bunny, a detail that many might find surprising given her later role in nurturing and supporting her family. In fact, she might have been one of the few who balanced a glamorous career with her dedication as a mother. She was also the founder of her son’s band fan club, a testament to her support and enthusiasm for Jon’s musical dreams right from the start. She met her future husband, John Bongiovi Sr., after enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, a detail that speaks to her adventurous spirit. They eventually settled their family first in Sayreville, New Jersey, before moving to Holmdel, where she spent her final years.

Her funeral arrangements are being overseen by the Holmdel Funeral Home. Though the details remain private, it’s clear that her family will hold her memory close. Her three children—Jon, Anthony, and Matthew—along with her 63-year-old husband, will undoubtedly feel the emptiness left behind by her absence but also cherish her legacy.

Jon has been open about the importance of his parents’ unwavering support during his journey into music. He’s often spoken about how his parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams, regardless of whether he excelled initially. In November 2020, he shared with The Big Issue, “Even if you weren’t good at your craft, you could work on it if you thought you were,” emphasizing how vital their belief in him was. Looking back, Jon now recognizes just how precious that gift was—his parents’ unwavering faith in his dreams, even when those dreams seemed far-fetched or difficult.