Legend Tina Turner, in her final public photographs prior to her untimely passing, displayed a delicate disposition and seemed to require aid while walking.
In November 2019, the iconic Tina Turner was last witnessed in public during the opening night of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical in New York City. Numerous images captured her predominantly seated, while her husband, Erwin Bach, and Oprah Winfrey offered support as they traversed the red carpet together.
In March 2021, Tina took to Twitter, expressing her excitement for a forthcoming documentary, yet exhibiting a frail appearance while standing before a large-screen television. An Icon, her presence was undeniably influential.
The music world mourns the loss of Turner, who rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the St. Louis duo Ike & Tina Turner during the 1960s. Her representative confirmed her passing on Wednesday.
“The ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll,’ Tina Turner, peacefully passed away today at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness at her residence in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland,” stated the representative.
“With her departure, the world bids farewell to a musical legend and an inspirational figure.
“Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, USA, gained fame in the late 1960s as the vocalist for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. However, she later achieved global success as a solo artist,” they further conveyed.
“Tina Turner’s music and boundless vitality captivated millions of fans, inspiring subsequent generations of artists.
“Her global hits such as ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It,’ ‘Private Dancer,’ and ‘The Best,’ along with her record sales exceeding 180 million albums, 12 Grammy Awards, and sold-out stadium tours spanning over three decades, constitute only a fraction of her unparalleled legacy.” The representative concluded with, “A private funeral ceremony will be held, attended by close friends and family.”
“At this difficult time, we kindly request that her family’s privacy be respected, and no further press inquiries will be addressed,” they added.
Roger Davies, Tina Turner’s manager of 30 years, paid tribute to the star, remarking, “Tina was an extraordinary and remarkable force of nature, embodying strength, incredible energy, and immense talent.”
“Since the day I met her in 1980, she had unwavering self-belief when few others did.”
“It has been a privilege and an honor to not only be her manager for over three decades but also to consider her a close friend,” continued Davies.
Tina was an active presence on social media, and her Instagram page, boasting a following of over 954,000 individuals, also issued an official statement on her passing.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” read the post.
“Through her music and boundless passion for life, she captivated millions of fans worldwide and inspired future stars.”
The post continued, “Today, we bid farewell to a dear friend, leaving behind her greatest legacy: her music.”
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family. Tina, you will be profoundly missed.”
While the cause of Tina’s demise remains undisclosed, she openly acknowledged years of neglecting her physical well-being.
“My kidneys have suffered due to my failure to recognize that my high blood pressure required conventional medical treatment,” she revealed in her final message.
“I endangered myself by refusing to accept the reality that I needed daily, lifelong medication to manage my condition.
“For far too long I believed that my body was an untouchable and indestructible bastion.”
RIP to a legend.
