Tina Turner - one of rock's great vocalists and most charismatic performers - has died aged 83, her spokesperson has confirmed.
In a statement, they said: "Tina Turner, the 'Queen of Rock'n Roll' has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland.
"With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model".
The US-born star was one of the best-loved female rock singers, known for her on-stage presence and a string of hits including 'The Best', 'Proud Mary', 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do With It'.
She first found fame alongside ex-husband Ike Turner, with the classic song 'River Deep, Mountain High' among their repertoire.
The abuse Ike subjected his wife to was documented in a 1993 Hollywood biopic - also called 'What's Love Got to Do With It' - starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.
In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Turner described how the abuse began.
Tina Turner performing in Stockholm, Sweden in the 1980s. Picture by: Classic Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo"It was just control - Ike had sex with everybody around him," she said.
"Then I said to the woman that was helping him at the time, 'I don't want to do this'.
"I knew how Ike was, he always fought women, men - everybody.
"My instincts told me I was moving into something that wasn't going to be good.
"So I went into his room and he had a sick way, I found: he started it with, 'What are you trying to do to me?'
"He would pick up something... against the head, always the head, with a shoe stretcher.
"It really hurt, but I was still trying to figure out what was happening.
"Then he says, 'Get in bed' - that was really awful," she added.
Her life story was also immortalised in a popular stage show, which is still running on London's West End.
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee Turner met and married Ike and took his name as a stage name.
Her popularity as a solo artist waned in the 1970s, but her career was resurrected when she signed with Capitol Records in the 1980s.
A hit cover of Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' led to the 'Private Dancer' album in 1984 - which went on to sell more than 10 million copies and established her as a mega-star.
The title track from 'Private Dancer', as well as 'What's Love Got to Do With It', and 'I Can't Stand the Rain' were among the seven singles from the record.
Tributes
Among those paying tribute were Canadian singer Bryan Adams, who sang with Turner on the tack 'It's Only Love'.
He said: "The world just lost one of the greatest performers of all time. I'll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends.
"Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your incredible voice".
RIP @tinaturner The world just lost one of the greatest performers of all time. I'll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and… pic.twitter.com/yQ8r7ucQs4
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) May 24, 2023
'I Will Survive' singer Gloria Gaynor described Turner as an "iconic legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music."
Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones called Turner "a dear friend to our family."
🙏💕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, 2023
Describing Turner as "an icon", actor Forest Whitaker called on people to "reflect on her resilience, and think about all the greatness that can follow our darkest days."
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, 2023
When she turned 80 back in 2019, Turner had this message for fans:
Tina Turner sold more than 180 million albums over her career and earned 12 Grammy Awards.
