Bon Jovi is one of the things that residents of New Jersey are quite proud of. Front man Jon Bon Jovi has always made a point to stay true to his roots, and the band — which formed in 1983 — are still, for the most part, going strong.
On the topic of growing strong, the same can be said about Jon's marriage. The musician has been with his wife, Dorothea, since high school. In 1989, back during The New Jersey Syndicate Tour, Jon and Dorothea got married. Despite being married to someone who's star continued to shine brightly, the two proved they were soul mates. There were never reports on infidelity, or cracks within the relationship. So, what's his secret?
Jon spoke to People, and admitted that Dorothea was his "rock." Throughout their 31 years of married bliss, they've had four children together — a daughter and three sons. Their relationship made family life, plus rock star life, something they were able to balance.
According to Jon, the key to success is mutual respect. "Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out," he added.
The two grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey. Years ago, Jon spoke positively about Dorothea to People, stating that they have maintained a great balance throughout the years. "I'm the crazy visionary with all kinds of things flying, and the seams are all splitting," he said. "She's the one following me with the glue and the thread and the needle, keeping it all together."
In that same interview, Dorothea also mentioned that she never gets jealous of any of Jon's fans. That means she trusts him, which relieves a lot of pressure on the marriage. "I think it's great they love music," she said. "They love the band and are so loyal." They also admitted that they grew together, and not separately.
These days, Jon and Dorothea are still sticking to their story. But, they have new wisdom to add. "We work hard at it, but we enjoy each other and we never fell for the trappings of what celebrity can do," he said. "We've witnessed that happen over the years to people that were close to us and people that we knew from afar. It's just what I do, it's not who I am. I write songs. I happen to be very good at performing them. That's it."
That type of grounded attitude is somewhat of a rarity in the world of rock music, but it's likely the reason as to why Jon has been so successful. He never let his achievements stop him from being grounded in reality. He sees his work as a job, much like anyone else.
Dorothea sees their relationship as more of a partnership — and that's also why they're so successful. She's helped make it stronger by starting up worthwhile projects and organizations for the two of them. For example, they both run the Soul Foundation, which was initially launched in 2006. "When we see injustice or people suffering, you want to help," she said, in regards to the foundation. "We're very blessed, and we have the ability to do that."
Jon is also fond of his family life. In general, it seems like he's figured out what makes him happiest, and that's a mix of work and family. To this day, he still likes what he does. And even better, his family seems like a lot of fun. For one, they have an ongoing running joke when, pre-virus, they went out to eat.
The couple is also in charge of JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit that helps feed the hungry with community dining. "All are welcome at our table where locally-sourced ingredients, dignity and respect are always on the menu," their website boasts. Currently, they have two New Jersey-based locations — one in Red Bank, and one in Toms River.
So, how does their kitchen operate? Easy. There are no prices on the menu. "If you are unable to pay the suggested donation, you may still enjoy a delicious meal," they explain. "We invite you to join our community to learn about resources and volunteer opportunities at the Soul Kitchen." It's a great service that focuses on giving back.
It also helps strengthen the community. People shouldn't have to worry about being fed. It's yet another reminder that Jon and his family are taking his spotlight and using it well. Just by running these kitchens together with their foundation, they're making a big difference in so many people's lives. But, back to the story about why restaurants bring up a family joke.
Based on Jon's celebrity status, the waitstaff always makes a point to check up on him first. Even though Dorothea's been by his side for so many years, sometimes her meal doesn't even arrive at the table due to the focus on her husband. "Because everyone's focusing on what Mr. Bon Jovi wants!" she admitted to UCR. "And I'm like, 'Can I get … ?' And everyone's meal shows up except mine … or I get the wrong thing. It doesn't matter, I just eat it."
It's hard not to look away from Jon Bon Jovi. It's incredible to think about the number of hits he's penned. Still, he makes sure to give credit where credit's due. For example, he admits that JBJ Soul Kitchen was entirely Dorothea's idea.
"Hunger doesn't look like what your mind's eye might imagine," Dorothea said. "And I think it was eye-opening for a lot of the community here that said, 'Oh, there's no homeless people here.' … I say, 'I can name five people here right now that I know are homeless.'" Sometimes, the problem isn't as obvious to those who don't have to worry about a roof over their head.
It's also good to know that Dorothea is always looking for new ways to help others. It seems as if she's always loved Jon for the right reasons — for his personality, instead of just due to his success. That said, it seems as if she's passionate over making a difference. And, that's something Jon should be really proud of.
So, if you're looking for a romance like Jon and Dorothea? You need to find someone you'll always have nothing but respect for. While Jon has admitted that their relationship has required work at times, like they all do, he seems to love having a partner who he's always worked so well with. Teamwork in a marriage is important, and Jon and Dorothea work together perfectly.
