custom ad
June 28, 2016

TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- A woman battling lung cancer received an unforgettable surprise from one of the state's most famous rockers, Jon Bon Jovi. Rosie Skripkunis said her mother, Carol Cesario, is a lifelong fan of Bon Jovi and always wanted to meet him...

Associated Press
Bon Jovi lead singer Jon Bon Jovi performs during a 2015 "Bon Jovi Live!" concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on its Asia tour.
Bon Jovi lead singer Jon Bon Jovi performs during a 2015 "Bon Jovi Live!" concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on its Asia tour.Tatan Syuflana ~ Associated Press

TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- A woman battling lung cancer received an unforgettable surprise from one of the state's most famous rockers, Jon Bon Jovi.

Rosie Skripkunis said her mother, Carol Cesario, is a lifelong fan of Bon Jovi and always wanted to meet him.

Last month, Skripkunis shared a sign on social media asking the singer to visit her mother, and within an hour, Skripkunis was working on the surprise with Bon Jovi's team.

The meeting was set up under the guise of a free meal at Bon Jovi's Toms River restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen.

Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!

"I lied to her," Skripkunis said. "I told her I wrote to his restaurant, that they said they couldn't pass fan mail on, but that they had invited us for a free meal. It was a free meal, but it was a free meal with Bon Jovi there."

During the meal Saturday, Bon Jovi sneaked in behind Cesario and stood beside her without saying anything. Video shows Cesario yell out, "Oh my God!" after seeing the singer.

The family ended up spending the night with Bon Jovi, talking for hours and even getting the chance to listen to some of his new music. He gave Cesario an autographed guitar and a book, as well as a kiss on the cheek.

"She slept with the book he gave her," Skripkunis said.

Story Tags
Advertisement

Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:

For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.

Advertisement
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!