Tina Turner has died at the age of 83 after battling a long illness. The news, released by his representative on Wednesday, brought back several episodes that were sealed by fire in his life. Andmany have to do with tragedies.
Several of these sad chapters in Tina's story took place while the singer was developing her career, which began in the sixties in the duo Ike & Tina Turner (shared with her husband).
Deaths, abandonment, abuse. Affective and family conflicts were a constant in his life behind the scenes. Let's review, then, the most relevant ones.
Turner debuted in the music world in the mid-fifties in Ike Turner's band. Photo: AP
Abandonment of their parents
Tina Turner Young
Tina suffered complications since she was a baby. On November 26, 1939, her mother kept her in a windowless basement relegated exclusively to "colored" women.
When she was still called Anna Mae Bullock she was abandoned by her mother. He was only 11 years old. Later his father did the same.
Alone in life, Anna Mae was taken in by her cousin Margaret, the person with whom she would begin to suffer a series of ill-fated family deaths: shortly after moving into Margaret's house, her cousin died tragically in a car accident.
A violent husband
Ike and Tina Turner started singing together. Photo: AP
Her bond with Ike Turner, her ex-husband with whom she started in the world of music, was completely zigzagging, but above all stormy. While she was with him she suffered psychological violence, sexual abuse, beatings and burns that left indelible traces.
"Broken lips, black eyes, dislocated joints, broken bones and psychological torment became part of everyday life," the singer would reveal years later.
When she separated from Ike in 1976, she was broke. He lost all the money he had and had to draw strength from where he did not have it to remake his way in the world of music.
The loss of your children
Craig Turner was 59 when he died.
Once retired from singing she suffered the tragic death of the eldest of her children: Craig. When Craig was 59 years old, he shot himself. It was 2018. Tina never found an explanation for what she did.
Ronnie Turner passed away in December 2022. Photo: AP
Four years later, the singer mourned the death of Ronald ("Ronnie"), her youngest son, due to a terminal illness.
Health problems
Tina Turner won countless awards, including seven major Grammys. Photo: AP
His own health also stood in his way. In 1968, when the relationship with her husband was a torment, she attempted suicide by taking fifty sleeping pills. Back then it was her team who took her to the hospital to save her life.
In 2013 she had a stroke that forced her to relearn to walk and three years later she battled cancer that left her fighting for her life.
The Death of Tina Turner
Turner died today at his home in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland. "With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model," reads a statement released by his representative.
Tina Turner died in Switzerland. Photo: AFP
Minutes later, his social networks communicated the sad loss: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With his music and boundless passion for life, he enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow."
"Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our sincere compassion goes out to his family. Tina, we will miss you so much," the message ends.
The singer was 83. Photo: AP
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