One of rock’s great vocalists, Anna Mae Bullock, better known as Tina Turner has died. She was 83.
In a statement, her spokesperson said: “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. With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations.”
Her official Instagram added: “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.”
Following the news, music fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to the icon.
Nicola Sturgeon posted: “She was simply the best,” as she retweeted the news.
Paddy McGuinness wrote: “What a shock. Another great leaving us. When Icons pass away it really resonates. RIP Tina Turner.”
Tina was born Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November in 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, USA.
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The US-born star was one of the great female rock singers, known for her electric on-stage presence and a string of hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
She first found fame in the 1960s alongside ex-husband Ike Turner, with the classic song River Deep, Mountain High among their repertoire.
The domestic abuse Ike subjected her to – and her long struggle to get break free – was documented in a 1993 Hollywood film starring Angela Bassett, which won three Oscars.
During a career spanning more than 60 years she sold more than 180 million albums and won 12 Grammy Awards.
Turner’s life story was also immortalized in a popular West End show that is still running.
The singer’s popularity as a solo artist waned in the 1970s, but her career was resurrected when she signed with Capitol Records in the 1980s.
A hit cover of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together led to the Private Dancer album in 1984 – which went on to sell more than 10 million copies and established her as a mega-star.
The title track from Private Dancer, as well as What’s Love Got to Do With It, and I Can’t Stand the Rain were among the seven singles from the record.
She sold out stadiums on tour around the world for over three decades as one of the hardest working women in show business.
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The natural-born performer joked earlier this year that she is as famous for her legs as her voice. She reportedly once insured her legs for a whopping £2 million.
The hitmaker explained how she only had her legs on show because it made it much easier to dance, but that it ultimately became part of her iconic style.
“When I was younger I never felt confident about any part of my body, but with all the attention my legs received, I realised they must be OK!” she said.
Turner retired from performing in 2009 following a 50th anniversary tour, during which she played 37 sold-out shows across North America, netting almost $50 million (£40.3 million).
The tour then moved on to Europe, where Turner played an additional 47 live dates – in total, the singer was seen by more than one million concert-goers.
Tina suffered from illness for years and was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and had a kidney transplant a year later.
A private funeral ceremony will be held for close friends and family.
