'Simply the Best': Legendary singer Tina Turner has died
WASHINGTON (TND) — Singing superstar Tina Turner -- who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist of the "Ike & Tina Turner Revue" and later established herself as a successful solo artist -- has died after a long illness.
She was 83 years old.
The "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" passed away on Tuesday, with her death announced the following day on social media.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner," according to a post on Turner's Facebook page. "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's manager said the iconic star died at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. She became a Swiss citizen a decade ago.
Her trademarks were her growling contralto, her bold smile and strong cheekbones, her palette of wigs and the muscular, quick-stepping legs she did not shy from showing off.
She sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won 11 Grammys, was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice -- the first time with her ex-husband and former bandmate Ike Turner in 1991, as well as on her own in 2021. Her life became the basis for a film, a Broadway musical and an HBO documentary in 2021 that she called her public farewell.
Turner was also a survivor of domestic violence, as she said Ike was abusive throughout their marriage.
She went on to reestablish her career and released the album, "What's Love Got to Do With It," which won the Grammy Award for "Record of the Year." The song of the same name became her first and only number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. The hit also won her a Grammy for "Song of the Year" and "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance."
Fans and celebrities alike reacted to Turner's death by sharing their sentiments on Twitter. Many described her as a "true legend" and inspiration.
Former basketball star Magic Johnson posted not one, but two photos of him with Turner.
Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner," former basketball star Magic Johnson wrote. "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."
"Tina would have so much energy during her performances and was a true entertainer," Johnson added in a follow-up tweet. "She created the blueprint for other great entertainers like Janet Jackson and Beyoncé and her legacy will continue on through all high-energy performing artists. Cookie and I are praying for her husband and all of her friends and family."
Actor George Takei also praised the singer.
"She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts," Takei wrote. 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"
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
