'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll' Tina Turner dies aged 83

Tina Turner, widely known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" died on Wednesday at the age of 83, her representatives announced.

The US-born, Swiss-naturalized singer passed away in her home near Zurich after a long illness, her representatives said in a statement.

She was among the biggest recording artists of all time. Among her biggest hits were "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "(Simply) The Best."

Tributes have poured in from all over the world, with the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, tweeting to say he was saddened by the news.

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. pic.twitter.com/TkG5VrdxXO

— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 24, 2023

'Enchanted millions'

She moved to Switzerland in the 1990s with her German partner Erwin Bach, whom she married in 2013.

Her official Facebook page announced her passing on Wednesday evening.

"With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow," the post read.

World mourns a music legend

Tributes for the late singer poured in from around the world following the news of her death.

Actor George Takei honored Turner in a post on Twitter, using the lyrics from some of her most popular songs.

"She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it," Takei wrote.

A true legend has passed. Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts. She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now,…

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 24, 2023

British model Naomi Campbell wrote on Instagram: "Rest in peace and power [...] There will never be another. Cherish my times with you."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said her death is "incredibly sad news" and a major loss to those who loved her and the music industry.

The US space agency, NASA, said Turner "sparkled across the stage" and that her "legacy will forever live among the stars."

Simply the best. Music legend Tina Turner sparkled across the stage and into millions of hearts as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Her legacy will forever live among the stars. pic.twitter.com/W0OGq61vwT

— NASA (@NASA) May 24, 2023

Turner's rise to stardom

Turner came from humble beginnings, born in the US state of Tennessee as Anna Mae Bullock in 1939.

I am so, so very sad to hear of the passing of @TinaTurner, the iconic legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white. She did with great dignity & success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music  #TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/HrcJj7PltI

— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) May 24, 2023

Her first encounter with fame came during performances alongside her former husband Ike Turner. During the 20-year relationship, she was physically and emotionally abused — later leaving the relationship and becoming one of the first celebrities to speak frankly about domestic violence.

She then became a superstar as a solo artist in her 40s, enjoying even wider success — known for her electric stage presence, powerful voice and shimmering costumes.