Legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll Tina Turner passes away at age 83

Angelique Agarap

May 25, 2023

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  Photo: Tina Turner

  Tina Turner’s death at the age of 83 has left the music industry and fans worldwide in a heart-wrenching loss.

  Her Küsnacht, Switzerland home became the place where the iconic “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” peacefully passed away, as confirmed by her family on Thursday, May 25. The renowned singer-songwriter and actress battled intestinal cancer, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and a prior stroke. In 2016, she received a diagnosis of intestinal cancer, leading to surgery for the removal of polyps. Despite the success of the procedure, her health continued to deteriorate. The year 2017 witnessed a significant event in her life when she underwent a kidney transplant, an experience she later documented in her official autobiography titled “Tina Turner: My Love Story,” published in 2018.

   

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  A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner)

  Turner’s illustrious career began during the formative years of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s. Her chart-topping hit ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ propelled her to stardom and garnered her multiple accolades. Throughout the 1980s, she claimed six out of her eight Grammy Awards. The decade witnessed a series of chart-topping singles, including ‘Better Be Good to Me,’ ‘Private Dancer,’ and ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).’ Notably, her 1988 performance in Rio de Janeiro attracted an astounding crowd of 180,000 people, solidifying it as one of the largest concert audiences for any solo artist.

  In addition to her musical achievements, Turner’s personal life also had remarkable milestones. She was previously married to musician Ike Turner from 1962 to 1978. Following her divorce, she found love again with music executive Erwin Bach, whom she married in 2013. Surviving Tina are her husband and her children Ronnie Turner, Raymond Craig Turner, Michael Turner, and Ike Turner Jr.

  As news of Tina Turner’s passing spread, tributes poured in from fellow musicians, celebrities, and fans, all celebrating her extraordinary contributions to music and the indelible mark she left on popular culture. Turner’s music transcended generations, uniting people across the world with its timeless appeal.

  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

  Tina Turner wasn’t just an icon. She was a survivor. Turning pain into purpose and finding renewed life through her music made her singing that much stronger. We lost a giant in the entertainment business and a queen without equal. Rest well, Tina — you were simply the best! pic.twitter.com/eDJ7c4Ou87

  — T.D. Jakes (@BishopJakes) May 25, 2023

  Tina Turner made me see what true independence and greatness was. One of the reasons I felt comfortable doing music that my whole life people told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do is is watching her sing rock and roll like owner it.God rest u beautiful wonderful legend. Thank u pic.twitter.com/rrJQpHkBwP

  — Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) May 25, 2023

  I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tina Turner. Her powerful voice and strength will forever be etched in our hearts and memories. She paved the way for so many of us in the music industry and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Rje2gNUE2C

  — Christina Aguilera (@xtina) May 25, 2023

  Tina Turner was the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Instead of piecing together this word salad mess of a tribute, they could have called her what she was, the Queen of Rock and Roll. https://t.co/FyDwTAkLTJ pic.twitter.com/E0gkJsgyPU

  — Ola Ojewumi (@Olas_Truth) May 24, 2023

  Rest in Peace, Tina.

  Dick Cavett asked Janis in 1969: “Who do you listen to, Janis? Who are your favorites?” ⁰“Tina Turner,” Janis replied. “Tina Turner. She was the best chick ever. Fantastic singer. Great dancer.”

  Pictured is the pair sharing the stage at Madison Square… pic.twitter.com/jL5GFGRseZ

  — Janis Joplin (@JanisJoplin) May 25, 2023

  The Queen is dead, long live the Queen. Tina Turner was rock n’ roll royalty. I’ll miss her music and her captivating personality but she’ll live on with songs that never die.

  She said, “What I want in heaven is for words to become musical notes and conversations symphonies.” pic.twitter.com/xht6p18B9J

  — Jeanne Wolf (@jeannewolf) May 24, 2023

  Take a moment to honor Tina Turner by listening to her top tracks here:

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