Meet Tom Petty’s First Wife Jane Benyo: Everything You Need to Know

Jane Benyo is best known as the first wife of the legendary rock musician Tom Petty. Their love story started in high school and lasted for over two decades. While their marriage had its share of love and happiness, it was also filled with struggles and challenges. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Jane’s life, her marriage to Tom Petty, and the legacy she carries.

Jane Benyo’s Early Years

Jane Benyo was born in 1951 in Gainesville, Florida, USA. She is White and holds American nationality. Not much is known about her early life, as she has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Jane grew up in Gainesville, where she later met Tom Petty during their high school years.

Details about her education are not available, but it’s known that her life changed significantly after meeting Tom.

How Did Jane Benyo and Tom Petty Meet?

Jane met Tom Petty when they were both in high school. They fell in love as teenagers and began a relationship that would shape both their lives. Jane stood by Tom as he started his music career, and the couple decided to marry at a young age.

They got married on March 26, 1974, when Jane and Tom were both 24 years old. Soon after, they moved to Los Angeles so Tom could focus on his growing music career. This was a big step for Jane, as she supported him during the early days of his journey.

Jane and Tom were married for 22 years and had two daughters. Their first daughter, Kimberly “AnnaKim” Violette, was born in 1974 and became an artist and fashion lover. Their second daughter, Adria Petty, was born in 1982 and works as an art director and editor, teaming up with famous artists like Beyoncé and Coldplay.

While they had a loving family, their marriage was not always easy. Jane faced mental health struggles and addiction issues, while Tom’s busy career often kept him away from home. These challenges made their relationship difficult over time.

By the mid-1990s, Jane and Tom’s marriage had become strained. They decided to end their relationship, and their divorce was finalized on September 9, 1996. This was a tough time for both of them. Despite their separation, Jane remained a loving mother to their daughters and stayed out of the public eye.

Jane Benyo’s Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Jane chose to live a private life. She rarely made public appearances and avoided media attention. However, in 2019, she made headlines when she bought Tom Petty’s childhood home in Gainesville, Florida, for $175,000. Jane wanted to keep the house in the family and planned to pass it down to Tom’s grandchildren.

This gesture showed her deep connection to Tom’s legacy, even years after their separation.

Jane Benyo’s Relationship with Her Daughters

Jane has stayed close to her daughters, Kimberly and Adria, who have both done well in their careers. Kimberly, also known as “AnnaKim” Violette, is an artist and fashion enthusiast. She even changed her last name to “Violette” because she loves the color ultraviolet and honored her father after he passed away in 2017.

Adria has become a talented art director and editor, working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Jane has always supported her daughters and helped them follow their dreams.

Jane’s relationship with Tom Petty didn’t end with their divorce. By purchasing his childhood home, she showed her commitment to keeping his memory alive. Tom, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 66 due to an accidental drug overdose, remains one of the most iconic rock musicians in history.

Jane’s actions reflected her respect for his legacy and the role she played in his life during his rise to fame.

Jane Benyo’s Physical Attributes

Jane Benyo was admired for her appearance in her younger years. She stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 65 kg. Over the years, her hairstyle evolved, from long straight hair to shorter styles with bangs. She has blonde hair and striking grey eyes, which added to her unique charm.

What is Her Age?

Jane Benyo was born in 1951, making her 73 years old as of 2024. She is an American of White ethnicity and has not publicly shared her religious beliefs. Her zodiac sign is not available.

What is Jane Benyo’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Jane’s estimated net worth is $5 million. While her financial life has been modest, her ex-husband Tom Petty had a net worth of $95 million at the time of his death. Jane’s purchase of Tom’s childhood home also highlighted her ability to make meaningful investments.

Is Jane Benyo Active on Social Media?

Jane has always valued her privacy. She is not active on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter and avoids public attention. Her quiet lifestyle reflects her preference to keep her personal life out of the limelight.

Bottom-Line

Jane Benyo’s life has been a mix of love, struggles, and resilience. As Tom Petty’s first wife, she was by his side during the early days of his career, supporting him as he became a rock legend. Although their marriage ended, Jane’s role in Tom’s life and her connection to his legacy remain significant.

Through her daughters and her actions to preserve Tom’s memory, Jane continues to be a part of his story. Her journey is a reminder of the complexities of life, love, and the enduring impact of family.

(FAQs)

How old was Jane Benyo when she married Tom Petty?

Jane was just 24 years old when she married Tom Petty in 1974.

Did Jane Benyo inspire a famous song?

Yes, Jane reportedly inspired Stevie Nicks’ hit song “Edge of Seventeen”.

Why did Jane Benyo buy Tom Petty’s childhood home?

In 2019, Jane bought Tom’s childhood home to keep it within the family and pass it on to his grandchildren.

How long were Jane and Tom Petty married?

Jane and Tom were married for 22 years before divorcing in 1996.

What struggles did Jane face during her marriage?

Jane dealt with mental health issues and addiction, which contributed to the challenges in her marriage.

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