Hayden, Fonda Agree Fondly to Divorce

With a terse announcement and fond wishes for the future, California’s most celebrated politics-and-show-business marriage came to divorce Friday, as expected.

Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, who announced their separation last February, declared jointly that they “amicably agreed to dissolve their marriage and have reached a settlement.”

Spokesman Stephen Rivers read a brief statement from the two:

“The settlement agreement which they have reached is private. Both Jane and Tom feel it is fair to all concerned and are satisfied with the terms. They will share custody of their son, Troy,” who is 16.

The statement concluded: “Tom and Jane wish each other well and look to the future with enthusiasm and optimism.”

Attorneys for the couple filed for dissolution of marriage Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It was the second marriage for both. Fonda’s attorney, Dennis Wasser, said the divorce will become final in six months.

Since their separation was announced Feb. 15 after 16 years of marriage, Fonda, 51, the film star, and Hayden, 49, the high-profile state legislator, have publicly gone their own romantic ways. But they have maintained regular contact as parents and have rebuilt a relationship as political associates.

Friends said the two have agreed to work together in 1990 on behalf of an environmental ballot proposition written by conservationist groups and Democratic politicians.

Hayden is directing the campaign, and is a likely candidate for the job of state environmental adviser, which would be established if the proposition passes. Fonda has agreed to devote “a great deal of energy,” in the words of one initiative supporter, to the measure. Her role will be as fund-raiser and to assist in organizing Hollywood support.

They also remain teamed up as leaders of the liberal, grass-roots organization Campaign California. Hayden is director and Fonda a member of the steering committee. Both still attend meetings of the group.

The continuation of the political relationship has been a relief to several score of associates who were part of the Hayden-Fonda blend of Democratic activist politics and liberal Hollywood entertainment. After the separation, there was at first a sharp air of tension in these overlapping circles. But key associates said this has diminished over the months, although as one put it, “It’s not been without some ups and downs.”