RIP: Tina Turner Has Died At 83

Candace McDuffie
·3 min read
Tina Turner performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre on May 23, 1997 in Mountain View, California.
Tina Turner performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre on May 23, 1997 in Mountain View, California.

Rock pioneer Tina Turner, who was known for unique voice and dynamic stage presence, died today after a battling a long illness. Turner passed away in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. She was 83 years old.

The sad news was confirmed via her Facebook page:

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“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. 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.”

Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee. She initially rose to fame in the 1960s as the singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. The pair released hits like “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.” Her violent and abusive relationship with Ike Turner lasted for years. Their marriage was documented in the film, What’s Love Got To Do With It starring Angela Bassett. After their split, Tina found immense success as a solo artist.

Turner’s hits, which included “What’s Love Got To Do With it”, “Private Dancer” and “The Best”, led to her selling more than 180 million albums. Turner, who Rolling Stone called “one of the greatest singers of all time,” was the recipient of 12 Grammy Awards and was known for selling out stadium tours all over the world.

Last year, Turner was turned into a Barbie doll inspired by her hit, “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” The Barbie shows Turner wearing clothes from the track’s music video: a black dress, denim jean jacket and her famous hairstyle.

Celebrities are mourning the singer’s passing on social media.

Actress Holly Robinson Pete tweeted, “A life to celebrate...Rest in Peace Queen Tina Turner.”

Actor Wendell Pierce wrote, “Long life the Queen! RIP Tina Turner.”

Basketball legend Ervin Magic Johnson tweeted, “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.”

Singer Ciara tweeted, “Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”

Bestselling author Roxanne Gay wrote, “RIP Tina Turner who always reminded me that you can thrive and life fully and joyfully after great suffering.”

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