Tina Turner has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with an ongoing illness. Her death was announced on her Facebook page [1] on 24 May. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner," the post read. "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." A rep confirmed the news to Reuters [2], saying Tina died peacefully at home in Switzerland. Reps for Tina did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR's request for comment.
Often referred to as the "Queen of Rock and Roll," Tina was born in 1939 in rural Tennessee. She launched her music career in the 1950s, performing alongside her then-husband Ike Turner. Tina was later open about the abuse she endured in her relationship with the guitarist, who she left in 1976. In the 1980s, she launched a massive comeback with a string of hits like "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Typical Male" and took home six of her eight total Grammys during that decade. She also starred alongside Mel Gibson [3] in "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" in 1985, among other films. Her voice, talent, fashion sense, and star quality left an indelible impression on the music industry and culture at large.
With a total of over 100 million records sold, as per The Independent [4], Tina is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. She was inducted into the Rock & Role Hall of Fame in 1991, and a musical about her called "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical" premiered in London in 2018 and later moved to Broadway. Her life was also the subject of a 2021 HBO documentary called "Tina."
Ahead, see how celebrities are reacting to the news about her death and honouring her iconic legacy.
Viola Davis
"Iconic. Beautiful. Brilliant. A Survivor," Davis wrote in a May 24 Instagram [5] post. "Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood. Oh man!!! God is getting an angel today!!! Rest well Queen Tina Turner. We will bask in your legacy!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Diana Ross
"Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner's family and loved ones," Ross wrote in a 24 May tweet [6].
Kelly Rowland
"Thank you Queen, for giving us your all! We Love You!!" Rowland tweeted [7] on 24 May. "Rest in Peace ♥️Anna Mae Bullock♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾".
Christina Milian
"This one really breaks my heart," Milian shared on Instagram [8] on May 24. "Rest in Peace @TinaTurner. I'm heartbroken for the loss of this Queen, such a legend and an inspiration for me growing up. I remember my Mom introduced me to her music as a child and we would dance around the house while cleaning. 😅 She brought much energy to the stage…her voice. 🥹 I'm sad y'all. My condolences to her family . I know people will around the world are feeling the same way that I feel right now. Thank you for your time and your impact Tina Turner. You shook the world! Today I will blare your music loud in ode to you. Just to hear you once more."
Debbie Harry
"I was a benefactor of the energy, creativity and talents of Tina Turner," the Blondie frontwoman said in a statement shared on Twitter [9] on May 24. "A woman who started in rural Nutbush, TN cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day. Love you Tina. RIP."
Mick Jagger
"I'm so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner," the Rolling Stones frontman tweeted [10] on May 24. "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."
Ciara
"Heaven has gained an angel," Ciara tweeted [11] on 24 May. "Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all."
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
"Rest in peace to one of my favourite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n' roll Tina Turner," Johnson wrote on Twitter [12] on May 24. "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."