On Wednesday, May 24, news broke that the legendary Tina Turner has died at 83 years old. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” reads a caption posted to Turner’s official Instagram. “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.”
According to The New York Times, Bernard Doherty, Turner’s publicist, confirmed that she’d passed away at her Küsnacht, Switzerland home. The cause of her death has not yet been made known. The publication noted that Turner had had a stroke some years back and was known to be suffering from kidney disease, as well as other illnesses.
Tributes immediately began pouring out online, including from the likes of Beyoncé, former US President Barack Obama, and Usher.
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” Beyoncé wrote on her official website underneath a photo of her performing “Proud Mary” with Turner at the 2008 Grammys. “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.”
Obama also gushed over Turner’s irreplaceable spirit on Instagram and Twitter.
“Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable,” the former president wrote. “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.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also acknowledged Turner’s death:
Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed…
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been.
From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 24, 2023
On Instagram, Usher reflected on crossing paths with Turner:
“The Queen and a Pioneer of Rock n’ Roll, Anna Mae Bullock. Most notably known, as Tina Turner. I’ll never forget when I met you and how you made me feel.
You once said in an interview, ‘My legacy is that I stayed the course…from beginning to the end, because I believe in something inside of me.’
You have left such an impactful legacy on this earth and your very motivation to be the greatest inspires me till this day. Love you eternally. Rest peacefully.”
See a roundup of notable online tributes to Turner below.
Heaven has gained an angel.
Rest in Paradise Tina Turner.
Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all. pic.twitter.com/JMxa9kBsmF— Ciara (@ciara) May 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/Billy/status/1661448161301352473?s=20
RIP Tina. She was my moms hero, she was the ultimate superhero to me too. 🙏🏾
— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) May 24, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/TkG5VrdxXO— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 24, 2023
Beyoncé dedicates a special message to Ms. Tina Turner. 🤍#RestInPeaceTinaTurner pic.twitter.com/z1uWndOS3N
— BEYONCÉ LEGION 𐚁 (@BeyLegion) May 24, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear about Tina Turner. I loved Tina and her voice and energy – she was one of the greats. “River Deep, Mountain High” will always be one of my favorite songs. And nothing beats her version of “Proud Mary.” I loved her musical too. Love & Mercy. pic.twitter.com/dZ0swrtmsB
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner made me see what true independence and greatness was. One of the reasons I felt comfortable doing music that my whole life people told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do is is watching her sing rock and roll like owner it.God rest u beautiful wonderful legend. Thank u pic.twitter.com/rrJQpHkBwP
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) May 25, 2023
This is a sad day for music. The Queen of Rock’n’Roll has passed. Tina Turner, we honor you ! Your legacy will live forever. U showed us all what it means to have the grit and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws our way ! Thank u for all you’ve given us. Now… pic.twitter.com/GdXJ5T1lJz
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) May 24, 2023
Remembering the one and only Tina Turner 💙 pic.twitter.com/Jz6jMX6GWR
— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) May 24, 2023
No matter how bad things got – you could always listen to Tina Turner – and keep rollin https://t.co/anuvhhmPtb
— John Cusack (@johncusack) May 24, 2023
