Tributes from fans and stars alike are pouring in for rock icon Tina Turner, who has died aged 83.
The What’s Love Got To Do With It? singer’s death at her home in the town of Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, comes after years of suffering health issues including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.
Amongst the star-studded tributes is a heartfelt message from actress Angela Bassett, who played Turner in the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It, a statement from the late David Bowie‘s estate, and a touching tribute from Oprah Winfrey.
Watch the video above.
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“I started out as a fan of Tina Turner, then a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then, eventually, we became real friends,” Winfrey wrote on Instagram this morning.
”She is our forever goddess of rock ‘n’ roll who contained a magnitude of inner strength that grew throughout her life.
“She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed.”
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“Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph,” Winfrey’s message continues.
“I’m grateful for her courage, for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolo’s and a leather miniskirt.
“She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious. Because she had learned how to LIVE surrounded by her beloved husband, Erwin, and friends. I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best.”
“Tina Turner was one of Elvis [Presley’s] favourite performers,” Priscilla Presley told People in a statement.
“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.”
British band Coldplay, meanwhile, took to the stage in Barcelona only one hour after news of Turner’s death broke – the band reportedly started their performance 15 minutes late, Chris Martin reportedly said on-stage the show was dedicated to the “beautiful” Turner.
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Dionne Warwick wrote on Twitter: ”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!”
”I just heard about Tina Turner’s passing, and it hit my heart. I’m immediately hearing THAT VOICE, I’m seeing THAT ENERGY, and I’m feeling that strength, sensuality, determination, and passion. That LIFE FORCE,” Keith Urban wrote on Twitter.
“I’m grateful that we have the music and the performances – the source for SO much of what you hear and see in countless other artists to this day. A matchless imprint. Thank you for everything you gave Tina.”
“No matter how bad things got – you could always listen to Tina Turner – and keep rollin,” John Cusack wrote on Twitter.
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Singer Darius Rucker, meanwhile, wrote: “Tina Turner made me see what true independence and greatness was. One of the reasons I felt comfortable doing music that my whole life people told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do is is watching her sing rock and roll like owner it. God rest u beautiful wonderful legend. Thank u.”
“I’m so sad to hear that Tina Turner has left us. It was such an honour to work with someone so talented, strong and giving,” Jimmy Barnes wrote on Twitter this morning.
“It was certainly a highlight of my career to have sung and shared the stage with such a wonderful human being. Thank you and R.I.P.”
“The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more – an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer,” Mariah Carey wrote on Twitter.
“To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in Peace, Queen ❤️”
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“This is a sad day for music. The Queen of Rock’n’Roll has passed. Tina Turner, we honour you ! Your legacy will live forever,” Jennifer Hudson tweeted.
“U showed us all what it means to have the grit and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws our way ! Thank u for all you’ve given us. Now rest in peace !”
Former United States President Barack Obama also shared a message of grief to Twitter, writing: ”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.”
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“Today we join fans around the world in honouring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade,” Obama concluded.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Twitter: “Sad to hear of the passing Tina Turner – a legend who overcame trauma and domestic violence to provide a soundtrack to our lives – Tina was Simply the Best. Vale.”
Star Wars legend Mark Hamill paid tribute to Turner, tweeting: ”Rest in Power, Queen. 💔”
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“Omg, I just saw that Tina Turner passed. Legend & Icon & that doesn’t even scratch the surface,” rapper Nicki Minaj tweeted.
“May she rest in perfect peace & may her legacy of brilliance & resilience live on forever. #SimplyTheBest.”
Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Tina turner, peace and love to all her family Ringo, peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶💕🌈☮️.”
Kim Wilde, meanwhile, wrote on Twitter: “farewell you fabulous woman ❤️”
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The official social media accounts of the late Bowie, who died in 2016, also shared a lengthy statement, noting how Bowie will now “see [Turner] in the sky tonight”.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Tina Turner, the legendary singer whose career dated back to 1960,” Bowie’s official statement began.
“Bowie fans will be aware of the duet she recorded with David for the title track of 1984’s Tonight LP.”
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“The Bowie/Iggy Pop penned track was released as a single later that year. On 23rd March, 1985, at a Tina Turner concert at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in the UK, Bowie performed the song live with Tina along with a section of the Chris Montez hit, Let’s Dance, segueing into Bowie’s song of the same name. This live duet of Tonight was released as a single becoming a #1 hit in the Netherlands,” the statement continued.
“We’ll finish with some words Tina said to The Guardian newspaper in 2020 that despite having some serious health problems, the last 10 years of her life had embodied her ideal vision of happiness.
“‘True and lasting happiness comes from having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no matter what,’ she said. ‘That’s what I’ve achieved, and it is my greatest wish to help others become truly happy as well.'”
The late Prince‘s estate also shared their condolences, writing on Twitter: “Rest in power, Tina Turner.”
In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Bassett, 64, said: “How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?”
The Black Panther actress, who starred opposite Laurence Fishburne’s Ike Turner in the film, continued: “Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion and freedom should look like.”
“Her final words to me – for me were, ‘You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.’ I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honoured to have known Tina Turner,” she said.
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”I am humbled to have helped show her to the world,” Bassett continued.
“So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be ‘simply the best.’ Angels, sing thee to thy rest … Queen.”
Diana Ross, meanwhile, also paid tribute to Turner, writing on Twitter: “Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones.”
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Magic Johnson also shared a photo taken with Turner alongside a heartfelt message to Twitter.
“Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner,” he wrote.
“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 [sic] worth.”
Actress Viola Davis wrote on Instagram: “Iconic. Beautiful. Brilliant. A Survivor. Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood. Oh man!!! God is getting an angel today!!! Rest well Queen Tina Turner. We will bask in your legacy!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
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Mick Jagger, meanwhile, wrote on Twitter: “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. 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.”
“We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable,” Elton John wrote on Instagram. “Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”
“What a woman, what a life, what a warrior!!!” Alicia Keys wrote on Instagram.
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“The day I met you Ms Tina, I couldn’t believe I was standing in the presence of your greatness!! (Thanks to my big sis [Oprah]!!!),” Keys continued.
“I got to celebrate and thank you for all the love you’ve poured out around u. The songs you sang gave us courage to step out and be our full selves.
“You are a fierce force as a woman and a performer! All of these things have been beacons of light for not only me, but all the people around the world finding ourselves and our fearlessness, through our vulnerability!!
“Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts beautiful big sister! Rest well! We love and adore you infinitely!”
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Giorgio Armani himself also shared a statement to his fashion house’s official Twitter account.
“I heard of the passing of Tina Turner with sadness and disbelief: with her incredible energy she seemed eternal. Her music certainly is,” Armani’s statement began.
“I will miss a great friend, whom I have also had the pleasure to dress many times. In life, she was like she was on stage – pure energy. I am deeply saddened.”
Stephen King shared to Twitter: “Tina Turner: Simply the best.”
Actor Josh Gad wrote on Twitter: “This one hits way too hard. #riptinaturner 🙏🙏🙏💔”
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Sylvester Stallone wrote a short message alongside a photo with Turner on Instagram: “see you forever Tina Turner ❤️ #tinaturner #slystallone.”
Director Paul Feig said on Twitter: “Ugh. This is so sad. She was someone who seemed like we’d have her forever. What a huge huge loss. There will never be another like her. Rest in power, Tina.”
“RIP Tina Turner. Simply, the best,” British media personality Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter.
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Fellow musician Bryan Adams recounted the time they spent working together in his tribute, shared in a since-deleted Twitter post.
“My condolences to Erwin and Tina’s family,” he wrote. “I’ll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends.”
“Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us your gift of your voice,” Adams continued.
“It’s Only Love and that’s all,” he concluded, referencing the single the duo released in 1985.
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Bette Midler posted a heartwarming tribute to her Twitter account.
“Our beloved #TinaTurner has died. From #Nutbush to the top, she was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all,” the renowned actress and singer wrote.
“May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead.”
Singer-songwriter Ciara labelled Turner a “QUEEN, LEGEND, ICON” in a comment underneath an Instagram post, she followed with a tweet.
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“Heaven has gained an angel,” she wrote. “Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”
Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood described Turner as “a force of nature and a legend” in his homage to the star.
His tweet concluded: “Rest in peace, Tina Turner.”
“A true legend has passed,” actor George Takei wrote on Twitter. “Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts.”
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“She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero,” he continued. “And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens.”
Founding member of Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler, also shared words of love for Turner on Twitter.
“Sad to hear of Tina Turner passing,” he wrote. “I saw her on her first major tour, supporting The Rolling Stones at Birmingham Odeon on 1966 & became an instant fan. RIP.”
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, meanwhile, wrote on Instagram: ”Simply the best. RIP Ms. Turner. I loved and love you. Thank you. Godspeed. X, SJ.”
“Legends never die. They live on in our collective psyche forever. Thank you for enriching our lives, Tina. Rest in power… #tinaturner 1939-2023,” actor Cary Elwes wrote on Twitter.
Andy Cohen wrote on Twitter: “SIMPLY THE BEST BEST BEST. WE LOVE YOU TINA ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
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Even NASA shared a tribute for Turner, whose star power reached space.
”Simply the best. Music legend Tina Turner sparkled across the stage and into millions of hearts as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” NASA wrote on Twitter, alongside a photo of the stars in the sky.
“Her legacy will forever live among the stars.”
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