Tributes have been paid around the world to Tina Turner. The iconic singer’s death was announced yesterday. She was 83.
Turner shot to fame in the 1960s along with her then-husband, Ike. The two separated and divorced in the late 1970s. It later emerged Tina had survived years of domestic abuse at Ike’s hands. She went on to reinvent herself in the 1980s. Her Private Dancer albums sold over 12 million copies and spawned huge hits such as ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’.
Many LGBTQ stars have paid tribute to Turner, including Elton John. The singer duetted with Turner on several occasions. They famously fell out for a few years after a disagreement backstage before a 1999 performance together VH1 Divas Live, but are understood to have later reconciled.
“We have lost one of the world’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage,” John posted to Instagram. “She was untouchable. Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”
Lily Tomlin posted to social media, saying, “Amazing, charismatic, true star and survivor. The queen of rock! Tina Turner, I loved and love you.❤️⭐️ •Simply the best•”
George Takei said “A true legend has passed.”
Contemporaries of Tina and those who followed in her wake also honored her.
Dionne Warwick tweeted, “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!”
Beyoncé and Angela Bassett
Beyoncé posted a message on her website, saying, “My beloved Queen. I love you endlessly. 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. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
Angela Bassett played Tina in the biopic, What’s Love Got To Do With It. She issued a statement.
“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.
“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 honored 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.”
Annie Lennox also sung Tina’s praises.
US Embassy staff in Australia dance ‘The Nutbush’
The US Embassy in Canberra won hearts and raised smiles with its own, somewhat unique but very Australian tribute. Staff danced to the classic Tina Turner hit, ‘Nutbush City Limits’.
‘Nutbush City Limits’ is a particularly beloved song in Australia. It was incorporated into PE classes in the 1970s to get kids moving, so many Australians can dance along to it.
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If we ever meet God, we won’t be surprised if she’s actually Tina Turner
Folks, it doesn’t get better than Tina.
abfab
Heartbreak. : (
Fahd
As usual, George Takei put my sentiments into words. RIP Tina Turner.
abfab
I love George. And his biography is remarkable. The Internments. Star Trek. His charm and his wit.
SIMPLY THE BEST
radiooutmike
My gosh, first Gordon Lightfoot and now Tina.
I’m 55 and her music was there when I was a child, growing up and as a young adult. Tina, to me, just seemed like one of those people who just could not die. She transcended limits in everything she did.
This was shocking to me personally. And I can just spit to think of all the people in the world who are of her generation and deserve to be off planet…Trump, McConnell and number of people who have not enriched people’s lives but have taken and taken and taken.
abfab
Her spirituality was big. Try and watch LARRY KING LIVE. His guest for the full hour was TIna. One of the greatest hours ever. At the end she chants….you will be transformed by it.
Kangol2
RIP Goddess Tina Turner. One of the true greats!
abfab
Her command of the stage was akin to Freddie Mercury. To Mick Jagger.
”American Express will do nicely thank you—-let me loosen up your collar…….”
abfab
Cher is nothing but love. We love you Cher!
CNN
While not identifying what ailed Turner, Cher talked about Turner having a dialysis machine in her house when she visited her. Dialysis is a treatment used for those in late stage kidney disease.
According to Cher, Turner reveled in the visits from her friends.
“I started going to visit her because I thought, ‘I need to put this time into our friendship, so she knows we haven’t forgotten her,’” Cher recalled. “So, we all took turns going and spending time with her and it made her happy.”
The pair laughed so much, Cher said, that someone commented, “when you two laugh together it is the funniest thing that you can ever possibly want to hear because we both have such distinct laughs.”
Cher said she had known Turner since the latter was married to Ike Turner.
The last time she visited Turner at her Switzerland home, Cher said she left with a special gift.
“She gave me a pair of shoes the last time I saw her,” Cher said. “What kind of shoes? Tina Turner shoes!”
Kangol2
This story makes me love Tina Turner and Cher even more. Thanks for posting it.
scotty
RIP Ms Turner. RIP
Stefano
She was a great artist, a fighter and despite her abusive husband, she showed everyone her true worth! She’s the kind of person today’s world is sorely lacking… she stands out among all the whiners. A great lady.