Musicians and entertainers from around the world mourned the demise of rock’n’roll star Tina Turner who died at the age of 83 on May 24 after a long battle with illnesses.
Turner became a pop sensation in the 1980s with songs like What’s Love Gotta Do With It and Let’s Stay Together.
The Whole Lotta Love singer was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017.
From Beyonce to Mick Jagger and Oprah Winfrey to Viola Davis, celebrities condoled the rock’n’roll legend’s demise and remembered her songs on Thursday. Elton John and Magic Johnson remembered the “Queen of Rock’n Roll” as a revolutionary performer and music legend for her contributions to music and popular culture.
Singer-songwriter Beyonce updated her official website with a post dedicated to Turner, whom she called the “epitome of power and passion”.
Her statement read, “Proud Mary. My beloved Queen. I love you endlessly. 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.”
Popular talk show host Oprah Winfrey shared an emotional note on Instagram recalling the moment she transformed from Turner’s “groupie” to her friend.
“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,” she wrote.
“I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner,” said Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, who credited the late singer for having helped him when he was young.
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis called Turner “Brilliant” and “A Survivor”, going on to describe the singer as “Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood.”
Eric Clapton took to Instagram to write, “RIP Tina xx”
Elton John wrote, “We have lost one of the world’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.”
Magic Johnson shared a photo of him with Turner and Elizabeth Taylor. “Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner,” he wrote. “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,” he wrote alongside the photo.
