Jon Bon Jovi Honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year and Credits His Wife Dorothea Bongiovi as the “Heartbeat” of the Foundation’s Success

Jon Bon Jovi, the iconic Bon Jovi frontman, lit up the stage on Friday night as he was crowned the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year, for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy through the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in addition to his legendary music career. Jovi joins the ranks of music legends like Elton John, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, and Bruce Springsteen. 

In a touching moment reported by USA Today, Jovi shared the stage with his "hero and mentor," Bruce Springsteen, who lost his mother Adele earlier this week. Jovi, moved by Springsteen's presence, told the crowd, "I certainly would've understood if he'd said he couldn't make it. But he wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares, and he wanted to be here tonight for me, and I am forever grateful to you for everything."  

The evening continued with electrifying performances from the likes of Shania Twain, Sammy Hagar, and Melissa Etheridge, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

Beyond the spotlight, Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Foundation has worked tirelessly since 2006 to break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness by forging partnerships, implementing innovative programs, and generously providing grant funding to support community benefit organizations. His wife, Dorothea, who he described on Friday as "the heartbeat" of the foundation's success, serves as the Founder and Program Director of the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a non-profit Community Restaurant operated by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, catering to both paying customers and those in need. JBJ Soul Foundation has provided over 187,000 meals.

Support the JBJ Soul Foundation here and learn more about the JBJ Soul Kitchen here.

For more, check out this clip from 2019 where Maria asked Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi about changing lives one soul at a time.

And check out Maria and Patrick Schwarzenegger's interview with Jon Bon Jovi from 2020.