Tributes paid to Tina Turner, who has died aged 83

Tributes are pouring in from around the world for Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, who has died at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich in Switzerland on 24 May 2023, aged 83.

Tina’s publicist Bernard Doherty announced her death in a statement, not revealing the cause of her death. Tina Turner had a stroke in recent years and was known to be struggling with a kidney disease and other illnesses.

Doherty said: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’ has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model. There will be a private funeral ceremony attended by close friends and family. Please respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”

From her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina became one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, wining 12 Grammy Awards, and entertaining millions of fans with her global concerts, selling more tickets than any other solo performer in music history.

The producers of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, a musical running at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End that tells her life story through her songs, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Tina Turner passed away yesterday. Tina Turner’s contribution as an iconic music artist and performer, her influence on fellow artists and her inspiration to generations who followed her, is legendary. Through her life story and her music, Tina Turner inspired and taught so many people around the world to find strength from within. This is a loss that will be deeply felt. Words can’t express our feelings, so we look to one another to share the love, respect and kindness that she shared with us. Her legacy lives on in so many beautiful ways as we mourn a legendary woman. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with Erwin Bach and Tina’s family. TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is a true celebration of this exceptional woman, and in our mourning we continue to celebrate her life, her talent and her joy. Tina.”

Former US President Barack Obama said: “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 fade.”

The official Tina Turner social accounts said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and boundless passion for life, she enchanted fans worldwide and inspired future stars. We say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us her greatest work; her music. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Singer Dionne Warwick said: “Another longtime friend has 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!”

Oprah Winfrey said: “”I started out as a fan of Tina Turner, then a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then, eventually, we became real friends. She is our forever goddess of rock ‘n’ roll.”

Bryan Adams said: RIP my dear @tinaturner I’ll be forever grateful for you bringing me on tour, going in the studio together and most of all, being your friend. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your unbelievable voice. My condolences to Erwin and your family. It’s Only Love…and that’s all.”

Listen to Tina Turner’s songs

Diana Ross said: “”Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones”.

Angela Bassett, who played Tina Turner in the 1993 movie biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” said: “How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world? Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like. 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. I am humbled to have helped show her to the world. So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that that will always be “simply the best.” Angels sing thee to thy rest…Queen.”

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones said: “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.”

Tina Turner’s Manager, Roger Davies, said: “Tina was a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent,” the music producer said. “From the first day I met her in 1980 she believed in herself completely when few others did at that time. It was a privilege and an honour to have been a close friend as well as her manager for more than 30 years. I will miss her deeply.”

Elton John said: “We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable. Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”

Tickets for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre in London