Jon Bon Jovi's Sweetest Throwback Photos with Wife Dorothea

Mar. 15, 2025

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi at the Oscars in 1991; Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi at the Silver Clef Awards in 1990.Photo:Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty (2)

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty (2)

Jon Bon JoviandDorothea Bongiovi (née Hurley)met when they were just teenagers attending high school in New Jersey, andthe Rock & Roll Hall of Famestar has never been shy about sharing their love story.In April 2020, Bon Jovi told PEOPLEtheir secret to a long-lasting partnership: “Mutual respect. Having grown up togetherandgrown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.“Dorothea added, “I always said I was good at spotting potential, too. I have a gift.“Here, we look at the couple’s throwback photos, featuring great ’90s fashion and even bigger hair.

Jon Bon JoviandDorothea Bongiovi (née Hurley)met when they were just teenagers attending high school in New Jersey, andthe Rock & Roll Hall of Famestar has never been shy about sharing their love story.

In April 2020, Bon Jovi told PEOPLEtheir secret to a long-lasting partnership: “Mutual respect. Having grown up togetherandgrown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.”

Dorothea added, “I always said I was good at spotting potential, too. I have a gift.”

Here, we look at the couple’s throwback photos, featuring great ’90s fashion and even bigger hair.

01of 21Holding HandsDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi arrive at the Party for Prince in N.Y.C. on Oct. 2, 1988.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesThe couple walked hand-in-hand to the Roseland Ballroom for a special Prince performance. Both kept it cool and casual in denim jeans, with Bon Jovi rocking a black leather jacket and Dorothea pairing her look with a sleek black corset top.

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Holding Hands

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi arrive at the Party for Prince in N.Y.C. on Oct. 2, 1988.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The couple walked hand-in-hand to the Roseland Ballroom for a special Prince performance. Both kept it cool and casual in denim jeans, with Bon Jovi rocking a black leather jacket and Dorothea pairing her look with a sleek black corset top.

02of 21Toast to the Bride and GroomAfter nearly a decade of dating (with one brief split in 1985), the coupleeloped at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegasduring the peak of Bon Jovi’s fame.“We were in Los Angeles, California, the band was on the road on theNew Jerseytour, and if you opened up the curtains of my hotel room, there’s a big billboard of the five of us [Bon Jovi band members] staring into my window,” Bon Jovi told PEOPLE in 2024. “My girlfriend, who was my fiancée at the time, we had a night off, and I said, ‘I need a higher high — I got an idea. Let’s go to Vegas now.’ And she said, ‘Now?’ I said, ‘Now.’ "

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Toast to the Bride and Groom

After nearly a decade of dating (with one brief split in 1985), the coupleeloped at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegasduring the peak of Bon Jovi’s fame.

“We were in Los Angeles, California, the band was on the road on theNew Jerseytour, and if you opened up the curtains of my hotel room, there’s a big billboard of the five of us [Bon Jovi band members] staring into my window,” Bon Jovi told PEOPLE in 2024. “My girlfriend, who was my fiancée at the time, we had a night off, and I said, ‘I need a higher high — I got an idea. Let’s go to Vegas now.’ And she said, ‘Now?’ I said, ‘Now.’ "

03of 21A Cheeky KissDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi during the 3rd annual Silver Clef Awards in N.Y.C. on Nov. 15, 1990.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesOn the night the"Livin' on a Prayer"singer was celebrated at the Silver Clef Awards, he embraced his wife and planted a sweet kiss on her cheek.

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A Cheeky Kiss

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi during the 3rd annual Silver Clef Awards in N.Y.C. on Nov. 15, 1990.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

On the night the"Livin' on a Prayer"singer was celebrated at the Silver Clef Awards, he embraced his wife and planted a sweet kiss on her cheek.

04of 21At the White HouseDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., in 1990.J Scott Applewhite/AP/ShutterstockHere, the rockstar couple smiled for a photo in the White House briefing room ahead of attending the 15th National Italian American Foundation dinner, joining other distinguished Italian Americans honored for their contributions to the world.

04of 21

At the White House

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., in 1990.J Scott Applewhite/AP/Shutterstock

J Scott Applewhite/AP/Shutterstock

Here, the rockstar couple smiled for a photo in the White House briefing room ahead of attending the 15th National Italian American Foundation dinner, joining other distinguished Italian Americans honored for their contributions to the world.

05of 21A Splash of PurpleDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi arrive at the Oscars red carpet in L.A. on March 25, 1991.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesAt the 63rd annualAcademy Awards— where Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory” fromYoung Guns II(1990) was up for Best Original Song — the pair showed out on the red carpet with their signature voluminous hair. Dorothea dazzled in a purple sequined dress, while her husband sported a crushed velvet suit.

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A Splash of Purple

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi arrive at the Oscars red carpet in L.A. on March 25, 1991.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

At the 63rd annualAcademy Awards— where Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory” fromYoung Guns II(1990) was up for Best Original Song — the pair showed out on the red carpet with their signature voluminous hair. Dorothea dazzled in a purple sequined dress, while her husband sported a crushed velvet suit.

06of 21Dressed to ImpressJon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the 48th annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 19, 1991.Ron Galella/WireImageBefore winning the Golden Globe for best original song — motion picture for “Blaze of Glory,” Bon Jovi hit the red carpet alongside Dorothea, both looking snazzy in black-tie attire.

06of 21

Dressed to Impress

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the 48th annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 19, 1991.Ron Galella/WireImage

Ron Galella/WireImage

Before winning the Golden Globe for best original song — motion picture for “Blaze of Glory,” Bon Jovi hit the red carpet alongside Dorothea, both looking snazzy in black-tie attire.

07of 21

Not Wearing (All) White

08of 21Launching the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame MuseumJon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the grand opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1995.Jeff Kravitz/FilmmagicLong before his2018 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fameandthe 2024 unveiling of his full-floor exhibittitled"Bon Jovi: Forever,“the “Bed of Roses” singer and his wife were present for the grand opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

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Launching the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the grand opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1995.Jeff Kravitz/Filmmagic

Jeff Kravitz/Filmmagic

Long before his2018 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fameandthe 2024 unveiling of his full-floor exhibittitled"Bon Jovi: Forever,“the “Bed of Roses” singer and his wife were present for the grand opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

09of 21Eyes on CoutureDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 20, 1996.Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty ImagesThe couple were spotted wearing black at the Versace Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1996 show.

09of 21

Eyes on Couture

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 20, 1996.Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty Images

Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty Images

The couple were spotted wearing black at the Versace Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1996 show.

10of 21Repping Red and BlueDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend the 7th annual IFP Gotham Awards in N.Y.C. on Sept. 17, 1997.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesThe couple sported a patriotic look in red and blue suits at the 1997 IFP Gotham Awards.

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Repping Red and Blue

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend the 7th annual IFP Gotham Awards in N.Y.C. on Sept. 17, 1997.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

The couple sported a patriotic look in red and blue suits at the 1997 IFP Gotham Awards.

11of 21Turning HeadsDorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend the Fire & Ice Ball in L.A. on Sept. 10, 1998.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesThe couple were among the 1,000-plus guests at the 1998 Fire & Ice Ball, whichraised $1.8 million for cancer research.

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Turning Heads

Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi attend the Fire & Ice Ball in L.A. on Sept. 10, 1998.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The couple were among the 1,000-plus guests at the 1998 Fire & Ice Ball, whichraised $1.8 million for cancer research.

12of 21Cheek to CheekJon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the annual Moving Picture Ball American Cinematheque Award event at the Beverly Hilton in L.A. on Oct. 18, 1998.Steve Granitz/WireimageAttending the celebrity-filled event honoring actorArnold Schwarzenegger, the couple cozied up to each other for a photo.

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Cheek to Cheek

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi attend the annual Moving Picture Ball American Cinematheque Award event at the Beverly Hilton in L.A. on Oct. 18, 1998.Steve Granitz/Wireimage

Steve Granitz/Wireimage

Attending the celebrity-filled event honoring actorArnold Schwarzenegger, the couple cozied up to each other for a photo.

13of 21Family Night OutFrom left to right: Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi, Romeo Bongiovi (front), Dorothea Bongiovi and Jacob Bongiovi attend the Winter Whites Gala in aid of Centrepoint at Kensington Palace in London on Nov. 26, 2013.David M.Benett/Centrepoint/Getty ImagesThe Bongiovi family dressed to the nines for the British royal family, attending a charity event at Kensington Palace to support young people experiencing homelessness — where their patriarch came to perform.

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Family Night Out

From left to right: Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi, Romeo Bongiovi (front), Dorothea Bongiovi and Jacob Bongiovi attend the Winter Whites Gala in aid of Centrepoint at Kensington Palace in London on Nov. 26, 2013.David M.Benett/Centrepoint/Getty Images

David M.Benett/Centrepoint/Getty Images

The Bongiovi family dressed to the nines for the British royal family, attending a charity event at Kensington Palace to support young people experiencing homelessness — where their patriarch came to perform.

14of 21Selfie StickJon Bon Jovi holding a selfie stick with Dorothea Bongiovi in 2015.Anthony Quintano/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0AttheSaturday Night Live40th anniversary special, the couple smiled for a sweet selfie, both in matching black blazers.

14of 21

Selfie Stick

Jon Bon Jovi holding a selfie stick with Dorothea Bongiovi in 2015.Anthony Quintano/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0

Anthony Quintano/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0

AttheSaturday Night Live40th anniversary special, the couple smiled for a sweet selfie, both in matching black blazers.

15of 21

Support from the Whole Fam

From left to right: Jesse Bongiovi, Dorothea Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi, Stephanie Bongiovi, Romeo Bongiovi and Jake Bongiovi attend the the 33rd annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 14, 2018.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

16of 21High School SweetheartsIn October 2020, Bon Joviposted two photos on Instagramwith the first showing the couple as high school sweethearts, and the second depicting them that year. The post was captioned: “How it started ➡️ How it’s going…”

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High School Sweethearts

In October 2020, Bon Joviposted two photos on Instagramwith the first showing the couple as high school sweethearts, and the second depicting them that year. The post was captioned: “How it started ➡️ How it’s going…”

17of 21A Sweet Birthday MessageFor Dorothea’s birthday in 2021, Bon Jovishared a throwback photo of them huggingin front of their New Jersey chateau. “Happy happy birthday to THE LOVE OF MY LIFE,” read the caption.

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A Sweet Birthday Message

For Dorothea’s birthday in 2021, Bon Jovishared a throwback photo of them huggingin front of their New Jersey chateau. “Happy happy birthday to THE LOVE OF MY LIFE,” read the caption.

18of 21Biker CoupleBon Joviposted a throwback photoof them on a motorcycle to celebrate Valentine’s Day, captioning the post: “My forever valentine.”

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Biker Couple

Bon Joviposted a throwback photoof them on a motorcycle to celebrate Valentine’s Day, captioning the post: “My forever valentine.”

19of 21As Close as the Holy Ghost IsJon Bon Jovi hugging Dorothea Bongiovi in a black-and-white photo.Jon Bon Jovi/InstagramA year later, Bon Jovi posted another sweet Cupid’s Day post on Instagram —sharing a throwback photo of the couple huggingand writing, “Every day is Valentine’s Day with you.”

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As Close as the Holy Ghost Is

Jon Bon Jovi hugging Dorothea Bongiovi in a black-and-white photo.Jon Bon Jovi/Instagram

Jon Bon Jovi/Instagram

A year later, Bon Jovi posted another sweet Cupid’s Day post on Instagram —sharing a throwback photo of the couple huggingand writing, “Every day is Valentine’s Day with you.”

20of 21Motorcycle MemoriesJon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi on a motorcycle.Jon Bon Jovi/InstagramIn September 2023, Bon Joviposted another older picture on Instagramfeaturing the pair on a black and red motorcycle along with the caption, “Me and the Mrs.”

20of 21

Motorcycle Memories

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi on a motorcycle.Jon Bon Jovi/Instagram

In September 2023, Bon Joviposted another older picture on Instagramfeaturing the pair on a black and red motorcycle along with the caption, “Me and the Mrs.”

21of 21Backstage LovebirdsJon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi pose in front of Bon Jovi’s dressing room.Jon Bon Jovi/InstagramThe romantic rockershared a throwback photo on Instagramfor Valentine’s Day 2024. In the picture, the smiling couple is seen standing in front of one of Bon Jovi’s old dressing rooms. The singer captioned the post: “Happy Valentine’s Day to my long time love ❤️.”

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Backstage Lovebirds

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi pose in front of Bon Jovi’s dressing room.Jon Bon Jovi/Instagram

The romantic rockershared a throwback photo on Instagramfor Valentine’s Day 2024. In the picture, the smiling couple is seen standing in front of one of Bon Jovi’s old dressing rooms. The singer captioned the post: “Happy Valentine’s Day to my long time love ❤️.”

source: people.com