Angela Bassett, Mick Jagger, Forest Whitaker and more pay tribute to Tina Turner: “A gift that will always be ‘just the best'”

Hollywood stars were heartbroken at the news of Tina Turner’s death on Wednesday and took to social media to pay tribute to the late music icon.

Turner died on Wednesday “after a long illness” at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her representatives said. “With her, the world loses a music legend and role model,” it said.

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The legendary entertainer sold 200 million albums and won eight Grammy Awards after finding fame as the centerpiece of the Ike & Tina Turner revue in the 1960s. After more than 60 years in the spotlight, her breakthrough album Private Dancer propelled her to solo superstardom at age 44.

“Tina Turner was an icon and pioneer who has broken down barriers for women on and off stage throughout her incredible career,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “She wowed audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances, including on our GRAMMY stage in 1985 and 2008, and achieved legendary status with her stunning hits like ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and ‘The Best’.”

In his statement, he continued, “An eight-time GRAMMY winner, three-time GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductee, and 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Tina was an undeniable rock star who paved the way for so many with her signature style and powerful singing. ” She will be greatly missed by all the people she touched around the globe.”

In addition to music, Turner has also had acting roles, including The Who’s rock opera Tommy (1975) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985). On television, she has been a fixture on variety shows, MTV and commercials, most notably as the face of a $20 million Hanes Hosiery campaign.

In her 1986 memoir, I, Tina, Turner, she publicly revealed her ex-husband Ike Turner’s 16-year reign of terror, their escape, and their rise from economic ruin. The book inspired the feature film What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993), starring Angela Bassett, and the acclaimed Broadway and West End production Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2018-19).

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Bassett, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Turner in the 1993 film, told THR in a statement from Turner: “How we say goodbye to a woman who has acknowledged her pain and trauma and used it as a tool has to contribute to change?” World? Through her courage in telling her story, her determination to stay the course of her life despite the sacrifices, and her determination to carve out a place in rock ‘n’ roll for herself and others who look like her, Tina Turner won shown others who this is lived in fear of what a beautiful future full of love, compassion and freedom should look like.”

Bassett continued, “Her last words to me—for me—were, ‘You never imitated me.’ Instead, you dug deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.” I will carry those words in my heart for the rest of my days. I am honored to have known Tina Turner. I’m honored to have helped show them to the world. Today, as we mourn the loss of that iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could ever have asked for. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be “simply the best.” Angels, sing to your rest…Queen.”

A host of stars including Forest Whitaker, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Diane Warren, Viola Davis and more took to social media to pay tribute to Turner.

“Tina Turner was an icon that we loved for her voice, her dance and her spirit,” Whitaker tweeted, encouraging everyone to honor the late singer by reflecting on her “resilience” and “all the greatness that follows.” can” reflect on our darkest days.”

“A survivor and a badass. Every note she sang shook the room and your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off Tina Turner,” Warren tweeted.

Davis wrote on Instagram: “Iconic. Nice. A survivor. Brilliance. Our premier symbol of excellence and unbridled possession of sexuality!! you were my childhood Oh man!!! God gets an angel today!!! Rest well, Ms. Tina Turner. We will rejoice in your legacy!!!”

“Miss Tina lived an amazing life of drama and pain and in her later years was anchored in Buddhism,” Ann Wilson said in a statement to THR. “She showed what courage is and danced through her life on those mighty legs as an inspiration to all of us. Rock on Angel!!”

Recalling the star in a statement, Roberta Flack said: “We traveled to Ghana together in 1971 for the Soul to Soul Tour. Her meteoric energy on stage was in stark contrast to her gentle, kind and calm demeanor off stage. My friend Tina, thank you for inspiring us to always be everything we are meant to be – regardless of life’s challenges. A woman without borders. You will always be my hero.”

Collective Soul guitarist Dean Roland also shared in a statement: “We were privileged to share the stage with Tina in Australia. The woman changed the world forever. Her presence is eternal.”

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