Stars don't get much bigger or more electric than Tina Turner. The once-in-a-lifetime singer and performer often called the Queen of Rock & Roll, whose career spanned over half a century and multiple comebacks, died Wednesday May 24 at age 83. WIth classics like "River Deep, Mountain High," "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "The Best," Tina cast a very long shadow over all of entertainment, inspiring millions of fans around the world and influencing generations of musicians and performers. It's no wonder, then, that celebrities from the world of music, movies, television and beyond flooded social media with touching tributes to the icon. Below, a collection of remembrances.
Celebrated actress Angela Bassett, who played Tina in the 1993 biopic What's Love Got to Do With It — made with Tina's blessing and input — posted a candid flashback shot with Tina, accompanied by a lengthy statement, on Instagram: "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."
As portrayed in the film and told by Tina in many interviews, the 12-time Grammy winner suffered horrific physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband and performing partner Ike Turner. She eventually left Ike in the late '70s and staged a legendary solo comeback in the 1980s.
Bassett continued, “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 will always be “simply the best.” Angels, sing thee to thy rest…Queen.”
Mick Jagger, one of Tina's few contemporaries who performed with her numerous times and graced a classic cover of Rolling Stone, tweeted, "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."
"Simply the best," wrote Sarah Jessica Parker via Instagram. "RIP Ms. Turner. I loved and love you. Thank you. Godspeed. X, SJ"
Grammy-winning musician Alicia Keys memorialized Tina with an incredible photo in which the late icon embraces her, Halle Berry, and Oprah Winfrey. "That a woman, what a life, what a warrior!!!The day I met you Ms Tina, I couldn’t believe I was standing in the presence of your greatness!! (Thanks to my big sis @oprah!!!) I got to celebrate and thank you for all the love you’ve poured out around u," the singer wrote as she recalled that magical day.
"The songs you sang gave us courage to step out and be our full selves. You are a fierce force as a woman and a performer! All of these things have been beacons of light for not only me, but all the people around the world finding ourselves and our fearlessness, through our vulnerability!!Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts beautiful big sister! Rest well! We love and adore you infinetly!
Martha Stewart took to Instagram and shared an adorable candid of her and the Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome star snuggling in bed, writing. "We loved Tina Turner. Goddess, Performer, Wonder Woman ! We will miss her so much!
Added Kelly Rowland: "Thank you Queen, for giving us your all! We Love You!! Rest in Peace Anna Mae Bullock."
Another mega girl group alum, Spice Girl Mel B, shared a very recent story on Instagram of taking in Tina, the Broadway and West End musical based on Tina's life, in London this week.: "I’m truly lost for words, I was at the Tina”musical last night sitting there in total awe of her as a performer her songs her strength just her everything," Mel recalled. "I cried I sang along to every word every song, and I celebrated her fight and all her glory, the story of Anna Mae Bullock, who made her life mean something no matter the pain or the struggle, became such an icon a legend,suffering 2 decades of abuse from her then husband she did the impossible she left him she survived she got away,and gave ALL survivors like me hope,so to hear of her passing right now is beyond devastating to me personally.
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Continued the pop singer, who has been open about suffering domestic abuse herself: "I’m literally at a loss for words right now,but all I can say is my mission to fight to end domestic abuse coercive control reform the justice system educate judges the MET police make sure kids understand and are taught in school what a healthy relationship is and should be is stronger than ever because of YOU,the definition of girlpower my Tina turner…. RIP
Ciara, whose athletic dancing and performing style is often reminiscent of Tina, tweeted, "Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all."
The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood, who's known and occasionally performed with Tina for many decades, shared a candid with the "We Don't Need Another Hero" singer. "God bless you Tina, the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend to our family. Love and prayers to all of Tina’s family, friends and loved ones" he wrote.
Sir Rod Stewart also paid tribute with a heartwrenching post writing: "I’m devastated, what a woman! A friend and mentor - ‘It takes two’ - but there was only one Tina Turner."
Beyonce posted a heart felt message on her website. “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” Beyoncé’ wrote. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
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