‘Queen of rock and soul’: celebrities pay tribute to Tina Turner

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An outpouring of tributes has emerged online following the death of legendary vocalist and performer Tina Turner.

Turner died at 83 years old at her home in Switzerland following her battle with a long illness after she was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and underwent a kidney transplant a year later.

“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music,” the singer’s official Instagram account shared.

Speaking to reporters, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mourned Turner’s death, saying: “It is incredibly sad news. Tina Turner was an icon … who had many … amazing moments in her career.

“It is a massive loss to the communities that loved her and certainly to the music industry and her music will continue to live on,” Jean-Pierre continued.

On Instagram, Mick Jagger shared his grief over Turner’s death. “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner,” he wrote. “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.”

His Rolling Stones bandmate Ronnie Wood also posted: “God bless you Tina, the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend to our family. Love and prayers to all of Tina’s family, friends and loved ones.”

Angela Bassett, who received an Oscar nomination for playing the singer in What’s Love Got to Do With It, shared a statement with the Hollywood Reporter.

“I am honored to have known Tina Turner,” she said in a statement. “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 will always be ‘simply the best.’ Angels, sing thee to thy rest … Queen.”

The singer Diana Ross shared a picture of herself with Turner on Twitter, writing: “Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones.”

Former US president Barack Obama said she was “the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade”. “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,” he said.

Joe Biden said Turner was a “once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever”, adding that her “personal strength was remarkable”. “Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely her.”

On Twitter, New York’s mayor, Eric Adams, wrote: “Tina Turner was our voice. She’s an icon who knocked down boundaries, shook our soul and redefined music. She overcame so much to become an icon. May she rest in peace.”

Singer Bryan Adams posted a picture online of him and Turner , writing in the captions: “I’ll be forever grateful for 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.”

Elton John also posted a picture of him with Turner: “We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers,” he wrote. “A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable.”

Priscilla Presley wrote on Instagram that Turner was “one of Elvis’ favorite performers. When she took the stage, it was pure magic. I remember how she held an audience with an energy that was undeniably pure Tina!”

Popstar Mariah Carey wrote on Twitter: “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.”

On Twitter, pop singer Sia described her as “the empress who taught me how to say no, and dance like a motherfucka,” saying: “I love you endlessly.” Christina Aguilera wrote: “Her powerful voice and strength will forever be etched in our hearts and memories. She paved the way for so many of us in the music industry and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Model Naomi Campbell responded to the official announcement on Instagram writing: “REST in Peace & Power THE QUEEN, LEGEND, ICON. There will never be another. Cherish my times with you.”

Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis wrote on Instagram: “Iconic. Beautiful. A survivor. Brilliance. Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood. Oh man!!! God is getting an angel today!!!”

“Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all,” singer Ciara tweeted.

Singer Alicia Keys posted a picture of herself, Turner and Oprah Winfrey on Instagram, writing: “What a woman, what a life, what a warrior!!! The day I met you Ms Tina, I couldn’t believe I was standing in the presence of your greatness!!”

“RIP Tina Turner who always reminded me that you can thrive and live fully and joyfully after great suffering,” wrote author Roxane Gay.

Hall of fame basketball player Magic Johnson also posted a photo of himself alongside Turner and the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, writing: “Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner. 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.”

“A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner,” musician Diane Warren posted on Twitter.

“A woman who started in rural Nutbush (Tennessee), cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day,” singer Debbie Harry wrote.

Actor George Takei also mourned Turner’s death, saying: “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. You were always simply The Best.”

“I’m not gone lie, Tina Turner passing touches my heart! Ever since her biopic I felt I knew her. Such a strong woman with a story that taught & inspired so many,” rapper Jatavia Shakara Johnson wrote.