Tributes remember Tina Turner’s timeless vocals and strength as abuse survivor

Tina Turner’s inimitable vocals and drive to succeed as a survivor of an abusive relationship were remembered as tributes from across the world of music and beyond hailed her as “simply the best”.

“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow,” a tribute from her representatives said.

“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Gloria Gaynor was among those who credited her as an inspiration and an “iconic legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white”.

She added: “She did with great dignity & success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music”.

Diana Ross wrote: “Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones.”

Sir Mick Jagger, who duetted with Tina Turner during Live Aid in 1985, wrote: “She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”

Sir Elton John said Tina Turner was a “total legend on record and on stage” in a tribute to the singer following “the saddest news”.

“We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable,” Sir Elton wrote, sharing a picture of the pair together.

Paloma Faith said the singer was “probably one of my greatest influences and inspirations,” adding: “Thank you for all the gifts you gave me, and us, as women, to be empowered and stand up for ourselves and be counted by turning our pain into a force of nature.”

Bette Midler wrote: “From Nutbush to the top, 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.”

Others remembered the star’s decision to be vocal about her experience of domestic abuse, years before it was acceptable to do so, which inspired them in times of difficulty.

One tribute read: “Tina Turner helped give me – and probably countless others – the strength to leave a domestic violence situation. Aside from her iconic music and inimitable voice, the influence she had on millions will never be forgotten.”

Another Twitter tribute said: “To millions of survivors of domestic violence, Tina Turner was a bright light of healing. Unflinching. Insistent on her own peace. Total badass.”

Angela Bassett, who played Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “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.

“I am honoured to have known Tina Turner. 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.”

A statement from Women’s Aid said: “A survivor of domestic abuse who went on to inspire other women… she will always be Simply The Best”.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre paid tribute during a briefing, praising a music icon “who had many stages in many amazing moments in her career”.

She said: “It is a massive loss, massive loss to the communities that loved her and certainly to the music industry, and her music will live will continue to live on.

“Our hearts go out to her family and her friends.”