World Reacts To Tina Turner’s Death: President Biden, Mick Jagger, Oprah, Barack Obama, Questlove, Diana Ross, Brian Wilson And More Pay Tribute
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The news that Tina Turner passed away today brought swift reaction from some of the biggest names in music, sports, television and politics.
President Joe Biden issued a statement Wednesday afternoon:
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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.
With 12 Grammy Awards, she was the only woman to win in the pop, rock, and R&B categories, a signal of her versatility, creativity, and broad appeal. Millions flocked to her concerts. Her high-octane dance performances were legendary. And her iconic hits – including “Proud Mary,” “The Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It” – continue to be treasured, and sung at full volume, by generations of fans.
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable. 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.”
Biden’s former running mate, Barack Obama, wrote, “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.”
Mick Jagger, a periodic collaborator with Turner, 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.”
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” Beyoncé, who performed “Proud Mary” with Turner at the 2008 Grammy Awards, wrote in a message, posted on her website. “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.”
Dionne Warwick said in a statement: “Another long time friend had 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!”
Angela Bassett, who memorably earned an Oscar nom for playing Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It, shared a lengthy statement with Deadline that reads in part, “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.”
Adrienne Warren, who portrayed Turner in in the Broadway musical Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, also paid tribute to the legendary Queen of Rock n’ Roll. “Today we lost our Queen of Rock and Roll, an inspiration, an ICON. Today I lost a teacher and a mentor. Rest, my friend. I love you, Anna Mae Bullock. Thank you,” Warren wrote next to a video of her and Turner.
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson said: “I loved Tina and her voice and energy – she was one of the greats. ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ will always be one of my favorite songs. And nothing beats her version of ‘Proud Mary.’ I loved her musical too. Love & Mercy.”
Courtney B. Vance hailed Turner as “Hero. Revolutionary. Trailblazer. Icon. Mother. Wife” in a statement via his publicist. “We knew this day was coming. It seems like we lose another of our Giants every other day…It’s just hard to say goodbye to those giants who’ve spoken to us through art that has changed our lives, and awakened in us a desire to see more, be more, do more!!!
Vance continued, Thank God Ms. Tina was patient enough to see through the wilderness of her journey to get to the mountaintop so we could all soar! We love her. We cherish her. We honor her. Eternal rest, our Tina! Eternal rest!”
“Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones,” wrote Diana Ross.
Questlove was more lyrical, sharing these thoughts on Facebook:
Survivor.
The King & Queen.
She was everything.
I was not prepared to say goodbye to Tina Turner.
But it’s 2023…and here we are.
What an AMAZING life.
Love you forever Tina Turner. Rest in melody.
RELATED: Remembering Tina Turner And Her Career In Photos
A tribute from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame read in part, “Tina Turner worked hard to reimagine the role of a Black woman in rock & roll — one that was firmly placed front and center. “
John Fogerty, the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman who wrote “Proud Mary,” tweeted: “So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner’s passing… I loved her version of Proud Mary! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record.”
Gloria Gaynor, a music legend on her own right, wrote that Turner “paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white. She did with great dignity and success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music. “
In a video posted to social media, Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash remembered her strength and ended with “rest in peace. You will be missed.”
Singer Ciara wrote in part, “Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”
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. pic.twitter.com/TkG5VrdxXO— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 24, 2023
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
Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FGlQfjxaGh
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) 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
I’m so sorry to hear about Tina Turner. I loved Tina and her voice and energy – she was one of the greats. “River Deep, Mountain High” will always be one of my favorite songs. And nothing beats her version of “Proud Mary.” I loved her musical too. Love & Mercy. pic.twitter.com/dZ0swrtmsB
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 24, 2023
My condolences to the Turner family rest in peace Tina Turner you will be missed pic.twitter.com/3vi2fWtF1k
— Grandmaster Flash (@DJFlash4eva) May 24, 2023
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
"I was a benefactor of the energy, creativity and talents of Tina Turner. A woman who started in rural Nutbush, TN cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day. Love you Tina. RIP.” —DH pic.twitter.com/2sqg0biujc
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) May 24, 2023
(1/3) In Memoriam: Two-time Inductee Tina Turner worked hard to reimagine the role of a Black woman in rock & roll — one that was firmly placed front and center. During her time in the duo Ike and Tina Turner (inducted in 1991), her electric onstage presence forever raised the pic.twitter.com/mNkKB7O1l5
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 24, 2023
The magnificent Tina Turner has left us. 💔 pic.twitter.com/0FW16o4kZC
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸☘️ (@MiaFarrow) May 24, 2023
RIP to the legendary Tina Turner pic.twitter.com/Pgh2pXbVn3
— William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) May 24, 2023
RIP Tina Turner who always reminded me that you can thrive and life fully and joyfully after great suffering.
— roxane gay (@rgay) May 24, 2023
There will never be another like Tina Turner.
How lucky were we to grow up in the rays of her power! pic.twitter.com/zY2WXBANsL— George Stroumboulopoulos 🐺 (@strombo) May 24, 2023
Today is a sad day …. A friend a legend an icon has passed and she truly was one of a kind… an amazing person and the hardest working singer in music…ever. Rest in peace and join the finest rock and roll band ever assembled in heaven. We will miss you!https://t.co/t6Ak1F1aSa
— Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) May 24, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/W0OGq61vwT
— NASA (@NASA) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll & first Black artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone, has died at 83. This pioneer was a true music icon & embodiment of resilience who so many Black women admired. Our esteem for her strength will live on! Rest In Power, Tina. pic.twitter.com/s5brlwOEoa
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) May 24, 2023
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 has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now,…
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner was iconic, talented, and fierce. What a journey. What a life, filled with great highs and great lows. She left an abusive marriage. She found love again. She made her way in this world, selling millions of albums. She became a mother, she experienced terrible… pic.twitter.com/Es5fKZMGZL
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) May 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/bryanadams/status/1661464381924802560
My darling Tina Turner. I’ve been loving you so long. So much to thank you for. Love you eternally. Can’t believe this awful news. Can’t believe you are gone. Sx
— Garbage (@garbage) May 24, 2023
RIP Tina. She was my moms hero, she was the ultimate superhero to me too. 🙏🏾
— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) May 24, 2023
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