Beyonce, Oprah, others pay tribute to Tina Turner

The global music community is grieving the loss of the legendary singer Tina Turner, who passed away at the age of 83 after battling a long illness. On Wednesday, the news of her demise sent shockwaves through Hollywood and touched the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. 

Turner’s representatives confirmed that she peacefully passed away at her residence in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland. They expressed profound sadness, stating that “the world loses a music legend and a role model” with her departure.

As the news of her passing spread, an outpouring of tributes from celebrities, musicians, and fans flooded social media platforms. Hollywood stars, who had admired and worked alongside Turner, expressed their heartbreak and shared their personal memories of the music legend.

Angela Bassett, who played Turner in the 1993 biographical film What’s Love Got To Do With It, wrote on Instagram: “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? 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.”

She further wrote: “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. I am humbled to have helped show her to the world. 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.”

US President Joe Biden took to his Twitter to post a statement. “Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time. In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable.”

He stated further, “Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers. Jill and I send our love and prayers to her husband Erwin, the rest of the Turner family, and fans around the world who are mourning today for the woman they agree was ‘simply the best.'”

Former US president, Barack Obama also paid tribute. “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 honouring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade,” tweeted the ex-POTUS.

Beyonce shared a statement on her website, paying homage to the icon. “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion.”

Mick Jagger took to Twitter to state, “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend. 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.”

Sharing a carousel of images, Oprah Winfrey poured her heart out while talking about Turner. “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,” wrote Winfrey. “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.”

She further continued, “Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph. 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.”

Winfrey also recalled a tale from their shared past. Taking to Instagram, Winfrey wrote, “I had the chance to join Tina onstage during her Wildest Dreams tour and felt a glimpse of her enchanted world. I was so nervous that my knees were actually knocking together. Dancing onstage with her in Los Angeles was the most fun I ever remember having stepping out of my box. Tina lived out of the box and encouraged me and every woman to do the same.”

Elton John shared a picture of the two on Instagram, accompanied by the following caption: “We have lost one of the world’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable. Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”

Even NASA – yes, NASA – paid tribute to the icon. Sharing an image of stars, the official Twitter handle of the organization stated, “Simply the best. Music legend Tina Turner sparkled across the stage and into millions of hearts as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Her legacy will forever live among the stars.”

Diana Ross shared her shock upon receiving the news. “Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones,” stated Ross.

George Takei wrote, “A true legend has passed. Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts. She showed us that love really does have everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens. You were always simply The Best.”

Stephen King took to Twitter to state, “Tina Turner: Simply the best.”

Viola Davis took to Instagram to write, “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!”

A trailblazer and a true inspiration, Turner achieved remarkable success throughout her career, selling over 200 million albums and garnering a staggering eight Grammy Awards. Her rise to stardom began in the 1960s as the focal point of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence. However, it was her groundbreaking solo album, Private Dancer, released at the age of 44, that propelled her to unmatched solo superstardom and solidified her status as a music icon.

Turner’s influence extended far beyond her chart-topping hits and accolades. She shattered barriers, defied expectations, and became an emblem of resilience and empowerment for countless individuals. Her unique blend of rock, soul, and captivating performances revolutionized the music industry, leaving an indelible impact on generations of artists to come.

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