Jane Benyo is known for being the ex-wife of the legendary rock star Tom Petty. The couple was married for 20 years before they divorced in 1996. Although their marriage ended, Benyo remained a significant figure in Petty’s life until his death in 2017.
Aside from her relationship with Petty, Benyo has had her own struggles to overcome. She battled cancer and ultimately passed away in 2018. Benyo is survived by her two daughters, Adria and Kimberly Violette Petty, who have followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in the music industry. Despite the challenges she faced, Benyo’s life and legacy continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Early Life and Family
Jane Benyo was born in Gainesville, Florida, in 1951. Not much is known about her early life, but it is believed that she grew up in a middle-class family in Florida. She attended high school in Gainesville, where she met Tom Petty, who was also a student at the same school.
Jane and Tom started dating when they were teenagers, and they continued their relationship even after Tom left high school to pursue a career in music. They eventually got married in 1974, and they had two daughters together, Adria and Kimberly.
Jane was known to be a private person, and she rarely spoke to the media about her personal life. However, it is believed that she was a supportive wife and mother, and she played a significant role in Tom’s early success as a musician.
Despite their long-standing relationship, Jane and Tom’s marriage was not without its problems. They had a tumultuous relationship, and they eventually divorced in 1996 after more than 20 years of marriage.
Marriage to Tom Petty
Jane Benyo was married to the legendary musician Tom Petty for 20 years. The couple first met in high school in Gainesville, Florida, and later tied the knot in a wedding ceremony on March 31, 1974, the day before Petty left for Los Angeles to pursue his music career.
Their marriage was not without its challenges, as both Petty and Benyo struggled with drug abuse and depression. Despite this, they had two daughters together, Adria and Kimberly.
In 1996, after years of marital problems, the couple divorced. Petty later admitted that the divorce was a difficult and emotional time for him, as he still cared deeply for Benyo.
Despite their separation, Benyo remained close to Petty and was devastated by his death in 2017. She is set to inherit a portion of his $75 million fortune.
Life in Spotlight
Jane Benyo was thrust into the spotlight at a young age when she married legendary rock star Tom Petty. The two had been together since their teenage years, and their relationship was closely followed by fans and the media alike.
As Petty’s fame grew, so did the attention on Benyo. She became a fixture in the Hollywood and music industry scene, often seen accompanying her husband to events and concerts. Despite the glamorous lifestyle, Benyo struggled with depression and drug abuse, which ultimately led to the breakdown of her marriage to Petty.
Despite the challenges she faced, Benyo remained a devoted mother to her two daughters with Petty. She also inspired the eponymous song “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks, which served as a testament to the strength and resilience she displayed in the face of adversity.
Today, Benyo is no longer in the spotlight, but her legacy as the first wife of Tom Petty and a beloved member of the rock and roll community lives on.
Children and Family Life
Jane Benyo was married to Tom Petty for 20 years and the couple had two daughters, Adria Petty and Kimberly Violette Petty. Adria Petty is a director, producer, photographer, and musician who has worked with a number of famous artists, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Coldplay. Kimberly Violette Petty is a painter and artist who has exhibited her work in galleries across the United States.
Despite their parents’ divorce in 1996, Adria and Kimberly have remained close to their father and have continued to be involved in his musical legacy after his death in 2017. Both daughters were involved in the making of the 2020 documentary “Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free,” which explores the making of Petty’s 1994 album “Wildflowers.”
Jane Benyo’s family also includes her sister, who was married to Tom Petty’s bandmate, Mike Campbell, for many years. Petty and Campbell were close friends and collaborators throughout their careers, and the two families remained close even after Petty and Benyo’s divorce.
Jane Benyo’s family life has been closely intertwined with the world of music, and her daughters continue to carry on their father’s legacy in their own unique ways.
Career Highlights
Jane Benyo is best known for being the ex-wife of legendary rock star Tom Petty. However, she had a few career highlights of her own.
In the early 1970s, Jane worked as a secretary at Shelter Records, where she met Tom Petty. They fell in love and got married in 1974. Jane was a supportive wife and mother to their two daughters, Adria and AnnaKim.
Throughout her marriage to Tom Petty, Jane was a constant presence at his shows and in the studio. She even sang backup vocals on some of his albums, including “Damn the Torpedoes” and “Hard Promises.”
After her divorce from Tom in 1996, Jane largely retreated from the public eye. However, she remained involved in the music industry through her daughters. Adria Petty is a successful director, while AnnaKim Petty is an artist who has designed album covers for bands like The Head and the Heart.
Despite her contributions to the music world, Jane will always be remembered as the woman who inspired Tom Petty’s hit song “Free Fallin’.” The song’s lyrics reference a girl who is “a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis” and “loves horses and her boyfriend too.” Many fans believe that the song was written about Jane, who was a fan of Elvis Presley and owned horses.
Divorce and Aftermath
After over 20 years of marriage, Tom Petty and Jane Benyo divorced in 1996. The divorce was reportedly caused by Benyo’s struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Despite the difficult circumstances, the two remained civil and even continued to work together on occasion.
In his book “Petty: The Biography,” author Warren Zanes described the aftermath of the divorce as a difficult period for Petty. He moved into a “rundown shack” and struggled with depression and substance abuse. However, he eventually found love again with Dana York, whom he married in 2001.
Benyo, on the other hand, struggled with her own health issues. She was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment, but unfortunately passed away in 2018. Despite the end of their marriage, Petty and Benyo had two daughters together and remained connected through their shared love for their children.
while the divorce was undoubtedly a challenging time for both parties, they were able to move forward and find happiness in their own respective ways.
Struggles with Mental Health
Jane Benyo, the ex-wife of Tom Petty, has had a difficult life that has been marked by struggles with mental health. According to sources, she has been diagnosed with depression and other mental illnesses.
Her struggles with mental health reportedly began early in her life, and she has had to deal with them throughout her marriage to Tom Petty. The couple’s 22-year marriage was filled with drama that stemmed from mental illness, drug use, and the singer’s booming career.
Benyo’s mental health struggles reportedly contributed to the breakdown of her marriage to Petty. She has spoken publicly about her struggles with depression and other mental illnesses, and how they have affected her life.
Despite her struggles, Benyo has remained a strong and resilient person. She has continued to live her life to the fullest, raising her daughters and pursuing her own interests.
Jane Benyo has had to deal with a number of challenges in her life, including struggles with mental health. Despite these challenges, she has remained a strong and resilient person, and has continued to live her life to the fullest.
Substance Abuse Issues
Jane Benyo struggled with drug addiction for many years, which ultimately led to the dissolution of her marriage to Tom Petty. The couple had a volatile relationship, with Benyo’s drug abuse and mental illness causing constant fights and tension. Petty himself struggled with addiction, and he has been open about how difficult it was to watch his wife go through the same thing.
Despite attempts to get clean, Benyo continued to struggle with substance abuse, which ultimately led to her developing cancer. It’s unclear whether her drug use contributed to her illness, but it’s possible that years of drug abuse took a toll on her body and weakened her immune system.
After her divorce from Petty, Benyo continued to struggle with addiction, and she reportedly used drugs up until her death. Her daughters have spoken openly about their mother’s addiction and the toll it took on their family, but they have also emphasized that they loved their mother and tried to support her as best they could.
Benyo’s struggles with addiction highlight the devastating impact that drug abuse can have on individuals and families. While it’s important to seek help and support when struggling with addiction, it’s also important to remember that recovery is a difficult and ongoing process that requires patience, understanding, and compassion.
Net Worth and Estate
Jane Benyo is set to inherit a part of Tom Petty’s $75 million fortune. Meanwhile, her late husband, Tom Petty had an estimated net worth of $95 million. In 2018, the late singer sold his house in California for $5 million.
Regarding Tom Petty’s estate, it was Dana York Petty, Adria, and AnnaKim who inherited Petty’s estate, but the wording in his will led to legal disputes between his widow and daughters. However, it is unclear how much Jane Benyo inherited from Tom Petty’s estate.
It is worth noting that Jane Benyo purchased Tom Petty’s childhood home in Gainesville, Florida for $175,000 in 2019. The 1,300-square-foot Gainesville home, located at 1715 NE Sixth Terrace, was sold by an estate agent.
while Jane Benyo’s net worth is unknown, she is set to inherit a part of Tom Petty’s fortune and also owns Tom Petty’s childhood home.
Death and Legacy
Jane Benyo’s ex-husband Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66 due to cardiac arrest. His death was a significant loss to the music industry, and his fans mourned his passing worldwide.
Tom Petty’s legacy continues to live on through his music and the impact he had on the industry. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, and his music has been an inspiration to many artists.
In tribute to Tom Petty, many artists have covered his songs and performed tribute concerts. His music has continued to be popular, and his albums have continued to sell well even after his death.
Jane Benyo has not publicly spoken about Tom Petty’s death or his legacy. However, her daughters have continued to carry on his legacy by keeping his music alive and supporting tribute concerts and events in his honor.
Tom Petty’s music will always be remembered and appreciated by his fans, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jane Benyo’s current status?
Jane Benyo passed away on September 21, 2017, at the age of 64.
How many daughters did Tom Petty and Jane Benyo have?
Tom Petty and Jane Benyo had two daughters together, Adria Petty and Annakim Violette Petty.
What was the cause of Jane Benyo’s death?
The cause of Jane Benyo’s death was not publicly disclosed.
Did Jane Benyo have a public battle with cancer?
Yes, Jane Benyo had a public battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent treatment for it.
What led to the divorce between Tom Petty and Jane Benyo?
The divorce between Tom Petty and Jane Benyo was due to irreconcilable differences and personal issues, including substance abuse and infidelity.
How did Tom Petty and Jane Benyo meet?
Tom Petty and Jane Benyo met in high school when they were both teenagers. They fell in love quickly and got married in 1974.