Why Tina was better than all the rest

After legendary singer Tina Turner died last week, stars of the entertainment industry paid tribute to her inspirational character and unrivalled talent

- Kenzi Devine

Tina Turner died at the age of 83 last week after a long, unspecified illness. A statement released by her representatives confirmed that the icon, known as The Queen Of Rock’n’Roll, died peacefully in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland on 24 May.

In a career spanning more than 60 years, the eight-time Grammy winner solidified her place in history through music and became a trailblazer for women across the globe by speaking out about domestic violence.

“She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this Earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious,” wrote Oprah Winfrey as she paid tribute to Tina.

“She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed. Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph. I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best,” continued Oprah via an Instagram post.

The first Black artist and the first female artist to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, Tennessee-born Tina paved the way for female musicians. Her autobiography, I, Tina, was turned into the 1993 film What’s Love Got To Do With It, dramatising the mother-of-four’s turbulent relationship with ex-husband Ike Turner – with actress Angela Bassett nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Tina.