Simply the Best: Stars pay tribute to Tina Turner
● Beyoncé, Oprah and others remember vocal powerhouse
Tina Turner, the US-born singer who left a farming community and an 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.
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 n 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’.”
SINGER BEYONCE KNOWLESCARTER
“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.”
MEDIA MOGUL OPRAH WINFREY
“I started out as a fan of Tina Turner, then a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then, eventually, we became real friends.
“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.
“She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed.
“Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph.
“I’m grateful for her courage, for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolos and a leather miniskirt.
“She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious.
“Because she had learnt how to LIVE surrounded by her beloved husband, Erwin, and friends.
“I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine.
“She was indeed simply the best.”
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 AND 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.”
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.”
BLONDIE LEAD SINGER DEBBIE HARRY
“A woman who started in rural Nutbush (Tennessee), in the 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.”
WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KARINE JEANPIERRE
“Tina Turner was a music icon who had many stages and many amazing moments in her career .
“It is a massive loss to the communities that loved her and certainly to the music industry.
“Her music will continue to live on.”
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 never to 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.”