'Queen of Rock n Roll' Tina Turner dies at 83, fans mourn

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner," the latest post on her social media read.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner)

Reports suggest Turner died after a long illness at her home in the city of Kusnacht near Zurich in Switzerland.

Turner was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. Her husband Erwin Bach donated a kidney to save her life.

Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in the US city of Brownsville, Tennessee, and showed aptitude for singing early on.

The iconic singer won eight Grammy Awards throughout her career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is behind such hit songs as "The Best" and "What's Love Got To Do With It." The title track of the film "Goldeneye" of the James Bond Series was performed by Turner.

In November 1996, Turner visited Russia for the first time during her tour in support of the ninth solo studio album "Wildest Dreams," released in April of that year.

The singer visited again in 2008 for a concert at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow celebrating the state-owned gas company Gazprom's 15-year anniversary.

In October 2021, Turner sold the rights to her music catalog for a reported $50 million to the music publishing company BMG.

Reactions:

Tina Turner, who was known for her pop hits, not only ruled over charts but also in the hearts of her fans worldwide.

Since her death, social media platforms are flooding with messages as fans paid tribute to the singer.

Former US President Barack Obama tweeted: " 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."

Oprah wrote on Instagram: "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 who contained a magnitude of inner strength that grew throughout her life. She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed.

"Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph. I’m grateful for her courage, for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolo’s and a leather miniskirt. She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious. Because she had learned how to LIVE surrounded by her beloved husband, Erwin, and friends. I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best," she said.

Singer Keith Urban posted: " I just heard about Tina Turner’s passing, and it hit my heart. I’m immediately hearing THAT VOICE, I’m seeing THAT ENERGY, and I’m feeling that strength, sensuality, determination, and passion. That LIFE FORCE." "I’m grateful that we have the music and the performances — the source for SO much of what you hear and see in countless other artists to this day. A matchless imprint," he said. "Thank you for everything you gave Tina," he said.

Singer Michael Bolton said: "RIP @tinaturner A force of nature whose voice and charisma moves rivers and mountains. You are simply the best."

Singing star Mariah Carey posted: " The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more - an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer. To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in Peace, Queen."