Musician Jon Bon Jovi is mourning the loss of his beloved mother, Carol Bongiovi, who passed away on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 83. Her passing came just three days before what would have been her 84th birthday, marking a poignant moment for the family.

Carol reportedly died at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that deeply impacted those who knew her.

Jon paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, describing her as “a force to be reckoned with” whose “spirit and can-do attitude” shaped their family.

“She will be greatly missed,” he said. Carol was more than just a mother to Jon; she was a mentor and nurturer of his talent. As the founder of her son’s rock band’s fan club, she played a pivotal role in supporting his musical career. But her influence extended beyond music.

Carol was an entrepreneur who invested in several businesses, demonstrating the same determination and drive she instilled in her children. In her late teens, Carol’s beauty and grace earned her the title of Miss Erie, Pennsylvania. She also worked as a Playboy bunny, showcasing her vibrant personality and poise.

In 1959, she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving her country with honor. It was during this period that she met John Bongiovi, Sr., the man who would become her life partner.

Their love story began in the Marine Corps, blossoming into a lifelong commitment filled with hard work, dedication, and mutual respect. The couple moved to Sayreville, New Jersey, where they started their family, welcoming three sons: Jon, Matthew, and Anthony.

Eventually, they settled in Holmdel, New Jersey, where they continued to build their lives together until Carol’s passing. Carol and John were a dynamic duo whose strong work ethics and unwavering support shaped the lives of their children.

John, a former Marine, reinvented himself by opening a beauty salon, a move which his son Jon describes as bravely aspirational. Carol, a German/Russian Playboy bunny turned florist, brought a unique blend of elegance and resilience to their family. She balanced her beauty and poise with the discipline and toughness she honed in the Marine Corps.

Jon fondly recalled, “They had their little outfit, and my dad was like this hip cat because he was married to a Playboy bunny. My mother was a Marine and a Playboy bunny. That’s a tough mother.”

Raising their three sons—Jon, Matthew, and Anthony—the Bongiovis instilled in their children the belief that dreams were attainable with hard work and dedication. Jon often speaks about the supportive environment his parents provided.

According to the singer, his parents believed that even if one wasn’t truly good at their craft but had confidence, they could work on it. He explained that as he got older, he realized that was a great gift he received from his parents.

He said they truly believed in the John Kennedy mantra of going to the moon, telling him, “Yeah, of course, you can go to the moon. Just go, Johnny.” And so, he did. The musician recalled how his parents permitted him to follow his dreams, even allowing him to perform at gigs when he was 17. He mentioned that looking back, their support was incredible.

He recalled getting home at one or two in the morning but needed to be at school by eight and his parents simply told him to be on time for school and to pursue his dream, emphasizing that showing up for school was his responsibility.

Carol and John’s parenting style was a balanced mix of freedom and responsibility. Jon once mentioned that his parents weren’t necessarily strict, but they also weren’t too lenient. He described it as a typical 1960s-1970s upbringing. Jon expressed admiration for his parents’ ability to stay together through good and bad times.

He recalled that everyone worked hard, came home, drank a six-pack of beer, watched TV, and went to bed, only to do it all again the next day. On Sundays, they would go out into the backyard to barbecue or maybe play golf.

The Bongiovis’ ability to balance work, family, and their unique interests created a nurturing environment for their children. Their dedication and belief in their children’s dreams are testaments to their remarkable parenting and the profound impact they had on Jon’s life and career.

As Jon Bon Jovi and his family mourn Carol’s death, they also celebrate the incredible woman who shaped their world. Her legacy lives on through her family, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and strength.