Angela Bassett Shares the Final Words Tina Turner Said to Her
Angels Bassett will forever be tied to Tina Turner. The actress famously played the music icon in the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It. Bassett earned a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her dynamic performance as Turner. She also had the honor of inducting Turner into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021. It should come as no surprise that Bassett delivered an incredible tribute to Turner following news of her death today (May 24) at 83.
Bassett shared her tribute via Instagram writing, “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.”
She continued, “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.”
Bassett concluded, “I am honored 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.”
Tina Turner Dies at 83: Reactions from the Entertainment World and Beyond
Beyonce
Beyonce paid tribute to Turner via a statement on her official website. She said, “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly. I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
Beyonce and Turner performed together in 2008 at the Grammy Awards.
In 2008, Tina Turner joined Beyoncé for an instantly iconic performance at the Grammy Awards. https://t.co/bFxsML6KOT
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) May 24, 2023Diana Ross
“Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones.”
Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FGlQfjxaGh
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) May 24, 2023Mariah Carey
“The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more – an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer. To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in Peace, Queen.”
The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more - an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer. To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to… pic.twitter.com/ur7djmFHnW
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) May 24, 2023Mick Jagger
“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.”
I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 24, 2023
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/TkG5VrdxXODionne Warwick
“Another longtime friend has made her transition. Not only will I miss that eternal ball of energy named Tina Turner but the entire world will also find this void in their lives. My condolences to her husband and other members of her family. Rest in Peace my friend!”
Another longtime friend has made her transition. Not only will I miss that eternal ball of energy named Tina Turner but the entire world will also find this void in their lives. My condolences to her husband and other members of her family. Rest in Peace my friend! pic.twitter.com/RsGNfzD02C
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) May 24, 2023Dolly Parton
“Now she’s rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ on to glory. Roll on Tina. We will always love you!”
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) May 25, 2023
Debbie Harry
“I was a benefactor of the energy, creativity and talents of Tina Turner. A woman who started in rural Nutbush, TN cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day. Love you Tina. RIP.”
"I was a benefactor of the energy, creativity and talents of Tina Turner. A woman who started in rural Nutbush, TN cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day. Love you Tina. RIP.” —DH pic.twitter.com/2sqg0biujc
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) May 24, 2023John Fogerty
“So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner’s passing… I loved her version of Proud Mary! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record.”
So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner's passing… I loved her version of Proud Mary! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record. pic.twitter.com/pH1Qt8u25Y
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) May 24, 2023Halle Berry
“I’ll never forget this day at the Legends Ball when I met Tina Turner! She rearranged me with her conversation, her spirit, her depth of character, her grace and most of all her ability to be ordinary and a LEGEND at the time! The world will be missing one bright light tonight!”
I’ll never forget this day at the Legends Ball when I met Tina Turner! She rearranged me with her conversation, her spirit, her depth of character, her grace and most of all her ability to be ordinary and a LEGEND at the time!
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) May 24, 2023
The world will be missing one bright light tonight! pic.twitter.com/OptXbb7KgbNAACP
“The NAACP mourns the loss of the queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, whose pioneering artistry and triumphant life story have inspired millions for decades. Her impact will be felt for generations to come in the music industry and beyond. #RestInPower”
The NAACP mourns the loss of the queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner, whose pioneering artistry and triumphant life story have inspired millions for decades.
— NAACP (@NAACP) May 24, 2023
Her impact will be felt for generations to come in the music industry and beyond.#RestInPower pic.twitter.com/gprFx3WULOPresident Joe Biden
“Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable. Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers.
Jill and I send our love and prayers to her husband Erwin, the rest of the Turner family, and fans around the world who are mourning today for the woman they agree was ‘simply the best.'”
Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 24, 2023
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed…Vice President Kamala Harris
“Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been.
From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.”
Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 24, 2023
From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.Barack Obama
“Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.”
Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never… pic.twitter.com/qXl2quZz1c
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 24, 2023Bill Clinton
“I loved Tina Turner and will never forget meeting her when she came to Little Rock for a concert after releasing ‘Private Dancer’ in 1984. We met again on her 67th birthday in St. Petersburg, where she and Elton John sang for a charity event. She still had it — talent, style, energy, and authenticity — a priceless gift to music lovers everywhere. May she rest in peace.”
My statement on the passing of Tina Turner. pic.twitter.com/W4dextsssR
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) May 24, 2023Ronnie Wood
“God bless you Tina, the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend to our family. Love and prayers to all of Tina’s family, friends and loved ones.”
🙏💕God bless you Tina, the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend to our family. Love and prayers to all of Tina’s family, friends and loved ones #tinaturner @tinaturner pic.twitter.com/BUNBAdsCKl
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) May 24, 2023Geezer Butler
“Sad to hear of Tina Turner passing. I saw her on her first major tour, supporting The Rolling Stones at Birmingham Odeon on 1966 & became an instant fan. RIP.”
Sad to hear of Tina Turner passing. I saw her on her first major tour, supporting The Rolling Stones at Birmingham Odeon on 1966 & became an instant fan. RIP pic.twitter.com/ijZJRtwZmN
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) May 24, 2023Billy Corgan
“RIP to the legendary Tina Turner.”
https://twitter.com/Billy/status/1661448161301352473
John Cusack
“No matter how bad things got – you could always listen to Tina Turner – and keep rollin.”
No matter how bad things got - you could always listen to Tina Turner - and keep rollin https://t.co/anuvhhmPtb
— John Cusack (@johncusack) May 24, 2023Live Nation
“Tina Turner’s powerful voice and electrifying performances have and will continue to stand the test of time. Her passing is a great loss but her legacy will forever be felt across the music industry and by the millions of fans and artists she has impacted throughout her career.”
Tina Turner's powerful voice and electrifying performances have and will continue to stand the test of time. Her passing is a great loss but her legacy will forever be felt across the music industry and by the millions of fans and artists she has impacted throughout her career. pic.twitter.com/Q8Yf4mth7Z
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) May 24, 2023Ringo Starr
“God bless Tina turner, peace and love to all her family Ringo, peace and love.”
God bless Tina turner, peace and love to all her family Ringo, peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶💕🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/l2ieCvhq6t
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 24, 2023Paul Stanley
“RIP TINA TURNER- What a voice. What a life. What a loss.”
RIP TINA TURNER- What a voice. What a life. What a loss. pic.twitter.com/UGKnEGHm09
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) May 24, 2023John Cleese
“Very sad to hear about the passing of Tina Turner. Her talent was beyond measure.”
Very sad to hear about the passing of Tina Turner. Her talent was beyond measure. pic.twitter.com/suRy2ytY9M
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 24, 2023Maria Shriver
“Tina Turner was iconic, talented, and fierce. What a journey. What a life, filled with great highs and great lows. She left an abusive marriage. She found love again. She made her way in this world, selling millions of albums. She became a mother, she experienced terrible sadness, and she still kept going. She brought joy to so many, even when she was experiencing such tragedy. I’ve always admired her. I first met her as a teenager and followed her throughout her inspiring life. May we honor Tina, and may we continue to play her music loudly and dance!”
Tina Turner was iconic, talented, and fierce. What a journey. What a life, filled with great highs and great lows. She left an abusive marriage. She found love again. She made her way in this world, selling millions of albums. She became a mother, she experienced terrible… pic.twitter.com/Es5fKZMGZL
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) May 24, 2023Ciara
“Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”
Heaven has gained an angel.
— Ciara (@ciara) May 24, 2023
Rest in Paradise Tina Turner.
Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all. pic.twitter.com/JMxa9kBsmFForest Whitaker
“Tina Turner was an icon, whom we loved for her voice, her dancing, and her spirit. As we honor her, let’s also reflect on her resilience, and think about all the greatness that can follow our darkest days. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Tina. You’re simply the best.”
Tina Turner was an icon, whom we loved for her voice, her dancing, and her spirit. As we honor her, let’s also reflect on her resilience, and think about all the greatness that can follow our darkest days. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Tina. You’re simply the best. pic.twitter.com/CZyaItp4Cb
— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) May 24, 2023Sheryl Lee Ralph
“This hits hard!”
This hits hard!
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) May 24, 2023
Tina Turner, queen of rock 'n' roll, dies after long illness - USA TODAY https://t.co/aN0Bh4FTyUNASA
“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.”
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, 2023Dan Rather
“Tina Turner. Icon and Queen of Rock and Roll. A life of triumph and power, in voice, spirit, and impact. May she rest in peace. This one hits hard.”
Tina Turner. Icon and Queen of Rock and Roll. A life of triumph and power, in voice, spirit, and impact. May she rest in peace. This one hits hard.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) May 24, 2023Library of Congress
“A flower for Tina. This 1962 Ernest Withers photo of Tina Turner, currently on display at the Library’s Not An Ostrich photography exhibition, is larger than life. Just like she was. May she rest in peace.”
A flower for Tina. This 1962 Ernest Withers photo of Tina Turner, currently on display at the Library's Not An Ostrich photography exhibition, is larger than life. Just like she was. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uga61To5EK
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) May 24, 2023Magic Johnson
“Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner. I’ve seen her many many times and hands down, she gave one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. She always gave you your moneys worth.”
Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner. I’ve seen her many many times and hands down, she gave one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. She always gave you your moneys worth. pic.twitter.com/VqlTjy1LUR
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 24, 2023Diane Warren
“A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner.”
A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner🎤🔥💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) May 24, 2023Kurt Loder
“RIP #TinaTurner: Simply the best.”
RIP #TinaTurner: Simply the best https://t.co/CeTm1xxqGR
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) May 24, 2023Margo Price
“REST HER SOUL
THE QUEEN
OF ROCK AND ROLLTHANK YOU
FOREVER
TINA TURNER”REST HER SOUL
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) May 24, 2023
THE QUEEN
OF ROCK AND ROLL
THANK YOU
FOREVER
TINA TURNER pic.twitter.com/ML0VlCKZtVStevie Van Zandt
“RIP Tina Turner. One of our greatest RocknSoul voices, performers, and stories. She lives forever in the Underground Garage.”
RIP Tina Turner. One of our greatest RocknSoul voices, performers, and stories. She lives forever in the Underground Garage.
— 🕉🇺🇦🟦Stevie Van Zandt☮️💙 (@StevieVanZandt) May 24, 2023George Takei
“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, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens. You were always simply The Best.”
/historyA 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