Tina Turner dead: Tributes pour in from Mick Jagger and more as Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll dies aged 83

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Legendary singer Tina Turner has died at the age of 83 in Switzerland.

Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. The singer was a pioneer for rock ‘n’ roll and was behind mammoth hits such as ‘Proud Mary’, ‘River Deep’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’.

A spokesperson for the family confirmed the news in a statement that read: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’ has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”

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Turner was dubbed the Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll, influencing an entire generation to the point where Mick Jagger admitted to taking inspiration from her energetic live performances. She won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a solo artist, having first been inducted alongside ex-husband Ike as part of band Ike and Tina Turner Revue in 1991.

During her solo induction into the Hall of Fame in 2021, she addressed how she had: "expanded the once-limited idea of how a Black woman could conquer a stage and be both a powerhouse and a multidimensional being".

Following the announcement, Tina’s Instagram page has been updated with a picture of the singer and a tribute. The post reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. 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. “

Angela Bassett, who got her first Oscar nom playing the singer in the biopic of her life, said: “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.

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“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 that will always be “simply the best.” Angels sing thee to thy rest…Queen.”

Viola Davis shared a tribute via Instagram alongside some of her most iconic images: “Iconic. Beautiful. Brilliant. A Survivor. Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood. Oh man!!! God is getting an angel today!!! Rest well Queen Tina Turner. We will bask in your legacy!!!”

The news has shocked fans across the globe who have taken to social media to share their tributes to the icon. Bryan Adams shared a tribute via Twitter, saying: “RIP @tinaturner My condolences to Erwin and Tina’s family. I’ll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your voice. It’s Only Love and that’s all.”

White House Press Karine Jean-Pierre said: “Tina Turner was an icon … It is a massive loss.”

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Sir Elton John called Turner a “total legend on record and on stage”. He added: “We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers... She was untouchable.”

Sir Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stone said he was saddened by the death of his “wonderful friend”. He added: “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.”

Actor George Takei said via Twitter: “A true legend has passed. Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts. She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens.”

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TV Presenter Paddy McGuinness tweeted: “What a shock. Another great leaving us. When Icons pass away it really resonates. RIP Tina Turner.”

TV presenter Piers Morgan also paid a tribute to the music legend as he quoted one of her famous hits. He tweeted: "Simply, the best. RIP Tina Turner."

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