Music makers and entertainers penned touching tributes to 'Queen of Rock 'N' Roll' Tina Turner immediately after her death was announced on Wednesday from her home near Zurich, Switzerland, reports 'Variety.'
Mick Jagger, Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross and more, from Barack Obama to Beyonce to Viola Davis, 'Variety' adds, lauded Turner as a revolutionary performer and music legend for her contributions to the R&B, rock and pop landscapes, and as a courageous woman for reclaiming her freedom in the face of domestic violence.
Mourners react outside the estate of Tina Turner following the announcement of her death, in Kusnacht. AFP / AP / Reuters
Tina Turner, the American-born singer who left a farming community and abusive relationship to become one of the top recording artists of all time, died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
Below are reactions from musicians, actors and the White House.
SINGER BEYONCE
"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."
A mother and daughter lay flowers outside the entrance to the estate of Tina Turner following the announcement of her death. AFP
SINGER GLORIA GAYNOR
"I am so, so very sad to hear of the passing of Tina Turner, the iconic legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white. She did with great dignity and success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music as well as the bravery and internal fortitude she exhibited in her personal life."
SINGER-SONGWRITER ELTON JOHN
"We have lost one of the world’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable."
TELEVISION MOGUL OPRAH WINFREY
"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."
People stop by the star of late singer Tina Turner0 which is adorned with flowers on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Reuters
ACTOR ANGELA BASSETT, WHO PLAYED TURNER IN A 1993 MOVIE
"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.
"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 will always be 'simply the best.'"
Audiences line up to enter the Aldwych Theatre in London. The Theatre is housing the Tina Turner musical where fans put down tribute to the unstoppable singer. AP
SINGER BRYAN ADAMS
"I'll be forever grateful for you bringing me on tour with you, going in the studio together and being your friend. 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."
ROLLING STONES LEAD SINGER MICK JAGGER
"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."
SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN FOGERTY
"So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner's passing... I loved her version of 'Proud Mary'! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record."
US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
"In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable. Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers."
FORMER US PRESIDENT OBAMA
In a statement, former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama said: "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 honouring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade."
SINGER MARIAH CAREY
"The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more - an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer. To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come."
SINGER AND ACTOR JENNIFER HUDSON
"Tina Turner, we honour you! Your legacy will live forever. (You) showed us all what it means to have the grit and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws our way!"
SINGER AND ACTOR BETTE MIDLER
"She was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all. May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead."
SINGER MICK JAGGER
Music legend Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones tweeted a very personal tribute, remembering how she helped him when he was young.
Jagger said: "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."
Agencies