NEW YORK, USA – A global outpouring of grief and admiration has begun to ripple across the world as news of Tina Turner’s passing permeates the collective consciousness.
Turner, who died at 83, was the inimitable queen of rock ‘n’ roll, left an indelible mark on the music world with her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and indomitable spirit.
“Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock’n Roll” has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” a statement by her publicist, Bernard Doherty, on Wednesday, said. “There will be a private funeral ceremony attended by close friends and family. Please respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”
Born Anna Mae Bullock, Turner rose from a childhood of adversity in Nutbush, Tennessee, to reach the zenith of global stardom. Her contributions to music transcend genre and generation, and she has been lauded as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Former US President Barack Obama, renowned for his profound appreciation for music, also added his voice to the chorus of tributes. “Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy,” he said in a statement. “Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.”
Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never… pic.twitter.com/qXl2quZz1c
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 24, 2023
Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, a contemporary of Turner’s, remarked, “The passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner so saddens me. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”
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Vice President Kamala Harris also shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the remarkable journey of Tina Turner. “Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been,” she stated. “From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.”
Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been.
From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 24, 2023
TD Jakes, a globally renowned preacher and author, also extolled Ms Turner on Twitter. “Tina Turner wasn’t just an icon. She was a survivor. Turning pain into purpose and finding renewed life through her music made her singing that much stronger. We lost a giant in the entertainment business and a queen without equal. Rest well, Tina — you were simply the best!”
Tina Turner wasn’t just an icon. She was a survivor. Turning pain into purpose and finding renewed life through her music made her singing that much stronger. We lost a giant in the entertainment business and a queen without equal. Rest well, Tina — you were simply the best! pic.twitter.com/eDJ7c4Ou87
— T.D. Jakes (@BishopJakes) May 25, 2023
Dionne Warwick, an iconic artist in her own right and a longtime friend of Turner, expressed her sorrow on Twitter. “Another longtime friend has made her transition,” she wrote. “Not only will I miss that eternal ball of energy named Tina Turner but the entire world will also find this void in their lives. My condolences to her husband and other members of her family. Rest in Peace my friend!”
Another longtime friend has made her transition. Not only will I miss that eternal ball of energy named Tina Turner but the entire world will also find this void in their lives. My condolences to her husband and other members of her family. Rest in Peace my friend! pic.twitter.com/RsGNfzD02C
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) May 24, 2023
Another music icon, Cher, a longtime friend and collaborator, went on MSNBC to reflect on her close friend. She revealed details of her last visit to Ms Turner. “There was no other person like her,” Cher said. “There was no other person who could come close to who she was.”
WATCH: Cher reflects on her close friend Tina Turner's legendary life.
"There was no other person like her. There was no other person who could come close to who she was." pic.twitter.com/lqhuCeobwt
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 25, 2023
And here are several more tributes.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tina Turner. Her powerful voice and strength will forever be etched in our hearts and memories. She paved the way for so many of us in the music industry and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Rje2gNUE2C
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) May 25, 2023
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My statement on the passing of Tina Turner. pic.twitter.com/W4dextsssR
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) May 24, 2023
Tina, the world will forever be grateful for your voice, your fearlessness, and your grace! You truly are the Queen of Rock & Roll and your spirit will reign forever! Rest in eternal peace and love! ❤️#TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/SeNcMAe9IU
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) May 25, 2023
Honoring the life and legacy of Tina Turner, she passed away yesterday at the age of 83. #MorningJoe #RIPTinaTurner pic.twitter.com/m2IxkrSVUF
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 25, 2023
Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FGlQfjxaGh
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) May 24, 2023
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God bless Tina turner, peace and love to all her family Ringo, peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶💕🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/l2ieCvhq6t
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 24, 2023
Wonderful picture with Tina Turner on the throne pic.twitter.com/5xp4pjKzFL
— Steven Ratnik (@StevenJosephR) May 24, 2023
The impact Tina Turner had on music and performing can't be overstated.
From Beyoncé to Mick Jagger, so much started with her.
But as someone who has spoken to many women who survived violence in different forms, I can't tell you how often Tina Turner came up as an inspiration. https://t.co/sqVzacwXrl
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) May 24, 2023
Mark Knopfler famously wrote Steamy Windows for Tina Turner, but not many people know that Turner repaid the favour with a song she'd written called, 'Dollars for Nothing'.
— Les Floyd (@Lesism) May 25, 2023
A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner🎤🔥💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner — 1939-2023
Legendary musical artist Tina Turner, who sang the theme song from GOLDENEYE, has passed away at the age of 83. Turner’s GOLDENEYE was a Top 10 single in 1995 and provided the perfect introduction for Pierce Brosnan’s era as 007.
📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/tctXuHd0q1
— James Bond (@007) May 25, 2023
“My legacy is that I stayed on course, from beginning to the end..because I believed in something inside of me.” – Ms. Tina Turner. 1939-2023.
🙌🏾👑🕊️🕯️ #TinaTurner
Rest In Peace ✨ pic.twitter.com/afacEQadE1— JODY WATLEY (@jodywatley) May 26, 2023
I didn't know much about Tina Turner's husband, but hearing Oprah talk about him this morning made me happy.
After so many years of abuse, I'm so glad that she had a man who adored her and took care of her by her side when she passed away. pic.twitter.com/YnQ6qxyUVJ
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) May 25, 2023
Simply the best! ❤️
At Buckingham Palace, the British Army’s @WelshGuardsBand played a special tribute to 🇺🇸 music icon Tina Turner during the #ChangingOfTheGuard 💂♂️
— British Embassy Washington (@UKinUSA) May 26, 2023
🙏💕God bless you Tina, the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend to our family. Love and prayers to all of Tina’s family, friends and loved ones #tinaturner @tinaturner pic.twitter.com/BUNBAdsCKl
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) May 24, 2023
Our beloved #TinaTurner has died. From #Nutbush to the top, she was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all. May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) May 24, 2023
More up-to-date photo. Sorry, I’m not myself. #RIPTINATURNER. You survived and set a better, higher bar for all of us. My heart is broken. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/GDiQIfWHCM
— Sheila Ferguson 3° (@SheilaDFerguson) May 24, 2023
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
A life to celebrate…
Rest In Peace Queen Tina Turner 🙏🏾🕊️🎤 pic.twitter.com/gPK6HMu4Tc— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner: Simply the best.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 24, 2023
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Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner. I’ve seen her many many times and hands down, she gave one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. She always gave you your moneys worth. pic.twitter.com/VqlTjy1LUR
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 24, 2023
Heaven has gained an angel.
Rest in Paradise Tina Turner.
Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all. pic.twitter.com/JMxa9kBsmF— Ciara (@ciara) May 24, 2023
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I think this scene works because…who in the hell doesn’t know who TINA TURNER is?!! And If you don’t, you gonna know today!
Rest in Power to that singular force we knew as Tina Turner. What a life. We are all better for her having existed. 🙏🏿💔 pic.twitter.com/eafFLfmN3n
— Reno Wilson (@RenoWilson) May 25, 2023
How lucky are we to have witnessed a true tour de force. I’ve never seen anyone set fire to the stage like Tina Turner. The power that exploded from her performances was mind blowing. You could not take your eyes off of Tina.
What a blessing to have been in the presence of… pic.twitter.com/mYK9DPnUdf
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) May 25, 2023
So saddened by the loss of the incredibly talented Tina Turner. It was an honor to have worked with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9ulfuLRNp7
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) May 25, 2023
"[Tina] Turner never performed a single concert in Albania, but she is an icon of freedom and power in the eyes of many Albanians."
— #AJOpinion by @AnthroBalkans ⤵️ https://t.co/WI1n0HO7eR
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 28, 2023
When Tina Turner left her first husband – who was also her boss, captor, and brutal tormentor – she snuck out of their Dallas hotel room with a single thought in her mind: "The way out is through the door."
From there she fled across the midnight freeway, semi-trucks careening… pic.twitter.com/DsSEgSCtdz— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) May 27, 2023
John and the crowd payed homage to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner. Her passing left us with bittersweet emotions, & the crowd came together in a heartfelt tribute.
Her spirit resonated through all of us as we sang. What a moment to share together!❤️ #TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/4VeikEe0t1
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) May 26, 2023
Tina Turner was simply one of the greatest.
We will miss her, of course. But her music and fighting spirit will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/m8NFIQtNMA
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 25, 2023
Tina Turner was one of Elvis' favorite performers. When she took the stage, it was pure magic. I remember how she held an audience with an energy that was undeniably pure Tina! She has left a remarkable legacy and will be sorely missed by all. pic.twitter.com/qd1R9Y5ye7
— Priscilla Presley (@Cilla_Presley) May 25, 2023
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It is 33 years ago today that Maiden crossed the finish line of the WRTWR and became the first all-female crew to sail/race around the world. More poignant this year as it was legend #TinaTurner singing 'You're Simply The Best' as we arrived in @OceanVillageUK @maidenfactor pic.twitter.com/bp2lxWTGBA
— Tracy Edwards (@TracyEdwardsMBE) May 28, 2023
There will never be another like Tina Turner. The voice, the legs, the energy — unmatched. My heart goes out to her family and all who loved her.
You were able to overcome the worst of life and create the best of life. Godspeed, Tina. You were, and you are simply the best. pic.twitter.com/IMLztacdMX
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) May 25, 2023
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If you want a moment of pure joy, look no further than Tina Turner surprising Oprah on her birthday pic.twitter.com/pIWBjpOWhE
— Brian Rowe (@mrbrianrowe) May 25, 2023
“So out went the candle, and we were left darkling.” ~ King Lear (A1,S4).#ShakespeareSunday #TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/4sZgUGK23o
— Joe McCartney (@joemccjoe) May 28, 2023
With dad at Grammy’s 1982. RIPower Queen💐🤎 #TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/5budPHxz1Q
— Dr. Deanna Brown 💕💚 (@JamesBrownGirl) May 26, 2023
Tina Turner picked cotton as a young girl. She survived being abandoned by her mother and father; racist Jim Crow laws; an horrific, abusive marriage to partner Ike Turner; and a music industry all too eager to bury her. Tina didn't just survive it all. She SOARED. GIANT. pic.twitter.com/2BIaYMEl7E
— Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29) May 24, 2023
In the summer of 1986, I worked the cash register at the bookstore of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One afternoon, Ms. Tina Turner came to my register to buy a modern photography book. Her gold American Express card read: “Tina Turner, Private Dancer Inc.” pic.twitter.com/OFP5vrYz02
— Min Jin Lee (@minjinlee11) May 25, 2023
RIP #TinaTurner: Simply the best https://t.co/CeTm1xxqGR
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) May 24, 2023
Outside her former school in Nutbush, a shrine of flowers, hand-written notes, and vintage vinyl records continues to grow, while fans and admirers around the world express their grief and gratitude through candlelit vigils and impromptu performances of her biggest hits.
Tina Turner’s legacy extends beyond her expansive discography and countless accolades. Her story of resilience in the face of personal and professional adversity continues to inspire millions, a testament to her enduring impact.
As the world grapples with this profound loss, the memory of Tina Turner – her trailblazing career, spirited performances, and unwavering determination – remains a beacon of inspiration. Indeed, as the lyrics of one of her greatest hits say, she was “Simply The Best.”
