CNN founder Ted Turner has sadly died at the age of 87. The billionaire, who was famously married to Hollywood star Jane Fonda between 1991 and 2001, died on Wednesday (May 6), according to the cable news network he created. Although a cause of death has not been announced, Turner was known to be battling Lewy body dementia. He is survived by his four children.

Nicknamed the 'Mouth of the South' for his openness, Turner created a longstanding media company that spanned several cable and satellite sports stations. For decades, he was also the proud owner of the Atlanta Braves. In 1980, he founded CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel.

Following his astounding success, he was named Time's 'Man of the Year' eleven years later for the station's consistent live coverage of current events happening across the US. CNN Worldwide CEP Mark Thompson shared a touching statement following the news of his death.

It read: "He was and always wil be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognise him and his impact on our lives and the world." Thompson further celebrated the TNT founder, describing him as an "intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement."

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