Tributes for Tina Turner pour in after legendary singer and 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll' dies at 83

Tina Turner, legendary singer and the world's most successful performer, has died at 83, leaving the world mourning the loss of an icon. On May 24, 2023, the singer passed away “after a long illness” in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” her representatives said in a statement.

Turner rose to fame in the 1960s as the centerpiece of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, sold 200 million albums and won eight Grammy Awards. With over 60 years in the spotlight, her landmark album 'Private Dancer' shot her to success as a solo performer at the age of 44 in the 1980s.

Following the devastating news of her death, tributes from across the globe and from several Hollywood actors have started pouring in. Pop icon Beyoncé wrote a tribute on her website along with a photo of her and Turner onstage at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008. "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," she wrote.

American singer and actress Dionne Warwick tweeted, "Not only will I miss that eternal ball of energy named Tina Turner, but the entire world will also find this void in their lives. Rest in Peace, my friend!" President Biden said Turner was "a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever."

Former President Barack Obama tweeted, "Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. 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." Elton John also shared a tribute to the icon on Instagram, calling Turner "untouchable" and one of the world's "most exciting and electric performers." John added, "Total legend on record and stage. She was untouchable."

Mick Jagger posted a picture of Turner and him performing. "I'm so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer," Jagger wrote. "She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her."

Turner toured with The Rolling Stones in the late 60s and performed with Jagger at Live Aid in 1985. Oprah Winfrey, who had the chance to join Turner during a tour, said, "I had the chance to join Tina onstage during her 'Wildest Dreams' tour and felt a glimpse of her enchanted world. I was so nervous that my knees were knocking together."

In its tribute, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wrote, "Tina Turner worked hard to reimagine the role of a Black woman in rock & roll — one that was firmly placed front and center." The statement added that Turner was a two-time inductee—first in 1991 as part of Ike and Tina Turner, and then again in 2021 as a soloist. "Music legend Tina Turner sparkled across the stage and into millions of hearts as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Her legacy will forever live among the stars," NASA tweeted with a picture of a sparkling galaxy.

John Fogerty, who wrote "Proud Mary," which Turner covered in 1971, tweeted that he was "deeply sad" to hear about her death. "I loved her version of Proud Mary!" Fogerty added. "It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record. I was so honored. I am also grateful I was on stage with her playing Proud Mary. Keep rollin' on the river. Rest in peace, Tina."