Tina Turner, the music superstar whose career spanned five decades, has died at 83 years old. Her death was confirmed by her spokesperson, Bernard Doherty, on Wednesday afternoon.
Tina Turner, the dynamic rock and soul singer who rose from humble beginnings and overcame a notoriously abusive marriage to become one of the most popular female artists of all time.
The superstar was forthcoming about the abuse she suffered from her former husband during their marital and musical partnership in the 1960s and 1970s.
She described bruised eyes, busted lips, a broken jaw and other injuries that repeatedly sent her to the emergency room.
“Tina’s story is not one of victimhood but one of incredible triumph,” singer Janet Jackson wrote about Turner, in a Rolling Stone issue that placed Turner at No. 63 on a list of the top 100 artists of all time.
“She’s transformed herself into an international sensation an elegant powerhouse,” Jackson said.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,”
her family said
“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly,” a statement on her verified Facebook page read.
Dubbed the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner was famed for her raunchy and energetic stage performances and husky, powerful vocals.
Turner won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a solo artist, having first been inducted alongside Ike Turner in 1991.
Upon her solo induction, the Hall of Fame noted how she had “expanded the once-limited idea of how a Black woman could conquer a stage and be both a powerhouse and a multidimensional being”.
Younger stars who have felt her influence include Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae and Rihanna.
Beyoncé is remembering her “beloved queen” Tina Turner. Following the news of Turner’s death on Wednesday, the singer, 41, shared an emotional tribute to the iconic artist on her website.
“My beloved queen, I love you endlessly,” Beyoncé’s message began. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way.”
“You are strength and resilience,” she continued. “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.”
The message was accompanied by a photo of the pair holding hands and bowing at the 2008 Grammy Awards, where they performed Turner’s track “Proud Mary” together.
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