Superstar Tina Turner dies at 83, tributes flow
Tina Turner performs in a concert in Cologne, Germany, on January 14, 2009. Turner, the unstoppable singer and stage performer, died Tuesday, after a long illness at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, according to her manager. She was 83. (Photo: AP)

NEW YORK, USA (AP) — Tina Turner, the unstoppable singer and stage performer who teamed with husband Ike Turner for a dynamic run of hit records and live shows in the 1960s and 70s and survived her horrifying marriage to triumph in middle age with the chart-topping What's Love Got to Do With It, has died at 83.

Turner died Tuesday, after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, according to her manager. She became a Swiss citizen a decade ago.

Her trademarks included a growling contralto that might smolder or explode, her bold smile and strong cheekbones, her palette of wigs and the muscular, quick-stepping legs she did not shy from showing off. She sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won 12 Grammys, was voted along with Ike into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 (and on her own in 2021 ) and was honoured at the Kennedy Center in 2005, with Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey among those praising her.

Turner was among the first celebrities to speak candidly about domestic abuse, becoming a heroine to battered women and a symbol of resilience to all.

Tributes poured in Wednesday from musicians, actors, and athletes following the death of musical superstar Tina Turner.

"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," Mick Jagger said on Instagram. Turner performed with Jagger during a show in 1985 and toured with the band in the 60s.

"We have lost one of the word's most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable. Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news," Elton John said on Instagram.

"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. 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," shared Angela Bassett, who played Turner in the 1993 film What's Love Got to Do With It.

"Rest in peace to one of my favourite 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," NBA legend Magic Johnson, who posted a photo with him and Turner on Twitter.

"Cultural Icon down. Safe Journey Anna Mae Bullock. You were HERE," singer Erykah Badu said on Instagram.

"Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all," singer Ciara said on Twitter.

"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!! (Thanks to my big sis @oprah!!!) I got to celebrate and thank you for all the love you've poured out around u. The songs you sang gave us courage to step out and be our full selves. You are a fierce force as a woman and a performer! All of these things have been beacons of light for not only me, but all the people around the world finding ourselves and our fearlessness, through our vulnerability!!" Alicia Keys put out on Instagram.

"Tina Turner was iconic, talented, and fierce. What a journey. What a life... She made her way in this world, selling millions of albums... May we honour Tina, and may we continue to play her music loudly and dance!" actor Maria Shriver said on Twitter.

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