Tina Turner reflects on her legacy ‘as the Queen of Rock’n’Roll’ weeks before her death

In one of her final interviews before her death, singing sensation Tina Turner offered some insight into how she wanted to be remembered while opening up about life and getting older.

Turner died peacefully at her home in Switzerland on Wednesday, May 24 at the age of 83. A statement on her Instagram confirmed her death.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement read.

“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she 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 heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

 

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As fans around the world reel from her passing, one of her final interviews with The Guardian has resurfaced in which she spoke about how she wanted to be remembered and her experience with ageing.

“As the Queen of Rock’n’Roll. As a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms,” she said when asked what she wanted her legacy to be.

The Simply the Best hitmaker candidly discussed her greatest fear while expressing her commitment to always moving forward and never looking back.

“I never want to go back; I fought so much through my life, that I have to keep going forward,” she explained.

When the subject of getting older came up, a defiant Turner declared that “nothing” scares her about ageing.

“This is life’s full adventure and I embrace and accept every day with what it brings,” she said.

“I wanted fame and I achieved it. Now, I enjoy anonymity in my retirement.”

Turner certainly cemented her spot as the queen of rock and roll having risen from humble beginnings to take her place at centre stage in music history. Her incredible talent and unwavering determination saw her quickly achieve international stardom, leaving an enduring mark on the world of music.

Her path to fame began when she joined Ike Turner’s band as a backup singer. It wasn’t long before her incredible vocal abilities and undeniable stage presence caught the attention of both audiences and the music industry. The duo quickly rose to fame as Ike & Tina Turner, captivating crowds with their electrifying performances that blended rock, soul, and rhythm and blues.

Over time, Turner’s boundless talent demanded recognition in its own right, and her solo career soared to amazing heights. With a signature mix of rock, soul, and blues, she amazed fans worldwide. Hits such as What’s Love Got to Do with It, Private Dancer, and Simply the Best showcased her commanding voice, earning her countless accolades, including numerous Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Following her death, fans and fellow musicians were quick to offer their heartfelt tributes to the legendary singer while celebrating her immeasurable impact on the world of music.

Turner is survived by her husband Erwin Bach and her adopted sons Ike Turner Jr and Michael.