Sally Ann Ranney Paid Tribute to Ted Turner
The longtime partner honored Turner at the 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon in New York City.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Awards
Sally Ann Ranney delivered a moving tribute to Ted Turner at the 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon on September 22, 2026. The speech reflected on their 16-year partnership and shared personal lessons from the media mogul, who died in May 2026.
Why it matters
The tribute served to honor the life and legacy of Ted Turner following his death at age 87. It highlighted personal aspects of his character, including his relationship with time and memories from his life at his Montana ranch.
Ted Turner, who died at age 87, previously managed the 113,000-acre Flying D Ranch in Montana. The tribute took place during the 14th edition of the luncheon organized by Fashion 4 Development.
The players
Sally Ann Ranney
She was the partner of Ted Turner for 16 years and provided personal reflections on his life and character.
Ted Turner
He was a prominent media mogul and land owner who went public with a Lewy body dementia diagnosis in 2018.
Fashion 4 Development
This organization served as the host and organizer for the 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon.
The details
Ranney shared intimate anecdotes regarding Turner's childhood and his professional life, including his public battle with Lewy body dementia. The event emphasized his enduring legacy after his May 2026 passing.
Timeline
Turner announced his Lewy body dementia diagnosis in 2018.
Ted Turner died in May 2026 at age 87.
Sally Ann Ranney delivered her tribute speech on September 22, 2026.
Culture Shift
The tribute reflects a broader trend of utilizing established high-profile platforms like the Official First Ladies Luncheon to offer personal, humanizing accounts of public figures. This shift moves beyond traditional media obituaries to provide nuanced perspectives on the legacies of industry icons.
The event highlights the lasting influence of figures like Turner on national discourse. Readers can reflect on how personal lessons shared by partners can reshape the public understanding of a notable individual's life.
The takeaway
Honoring a legacy often involves sharing the small, personal lessons that defined a public figure behind the scenes. These individual reflections offer a deeper understanding of historical figures beyond their professional achievements.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors in the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by People.
