Tina Turner Remembered: Cher and the Entertainment Industry Pay Tribute
While Tina Turner’s friends, including Cher, celebrate her remarkable life and legacy, the entertainment industry continues to mourn her passing. During an interview with Ari Melber on MSNBC’s The Beat, Cher shared insights into her deep friendship with the iconic singer.
WATCH: Cher reflects on her close friend Tina Turner's legendary life.
"There was no other person like her. There was no other person who could come close to who she was." pic.twitter.com/lqhuCeobwt
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 25, 2023
According to Cher, Tina fought her illness with strength and resilience. Cher, who visited Tina frequently as her health declined, revealed that Tina once confided in her, saying, “I’m truly ready. Simply, I can’t stand it any longer.” Cher’s presence during Tina’s final days aimed to assure her that she would never be forgotten and that her legacy would endure. Despite her illness, Tina managed to find joy in life and embraced every moment.
In her 2018 autobiography, “My Love Story,” Tina Turner candidly documented her battles with various life-threatening illnesses. These included high blood pressure leading to kidney failure, a stroke that required her to relearn how to walk, and a diagnosis of intestinal cancer in 2016. Tina also faced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from her abusive marriage to Ike Turner. After ending the relationship, Tina embarked on a new journey in search of a better life, and it was during this time that her friendship with Cher blossomed.
. @cher and Tina Turner performing "I've Got The Music in Me" on The Sonny & Cher Show, 1977 pic.twitter.com/0N46jS0GjE
— Gianluca (@capitangian) May 24, 2023
Cher acknowledged Tina’s influential role in empowering women, stating, “She gave you a lot of strength as a woman. She undoubtedly inspired a lot of young people, but she occasionally gave me a lot of strength, and I did the same for her. Sincerely, I think we were the best of friends.” Cher described Tina as a fighter who may not have won every battle but fought every war. She hailed Tina Turner as one of the greatest artists of their generation, emphasizing her uniqueness and unmatched talent.
The bond between Cher and Tina Turner was forged through years of shared memories and laughter. Cher vividly recalls the first time she met Tina, feeling the air being sucked out of the room, recognizing she was in the presence of an icon.
possibly my favourite interview moment ever. i loved their friendship.
tina turner and cher ❤️pic.twitter.com/o5vkGIdGHf— lori megan ☽ (@lorimeganxo) May 24, 2023
Before her passing, Tina Turner gifted Cher a special memento to ensure her friend’s life and legacy would be remembered. It was a pair of “Tina Turner shoes,” her iconic high heels that became synonymous with her image in the 1980s.
Cher’s tribute to Tina Turner is just one among many in the entertainment industry. The entire sector has come together to honor the life and passing of the legendary “Queen of Rock & Roll.” Tina Turner’s story has touched millions of individuals from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them along the way.
Tina, the world will forever be grateful for your voice, your fearlessness, and your grace! You truly are the Queen of Rock & Roll and your spirit will reign forever! Rest in eternal peace and love! ❤️#TinaTurner pic.twitter.com/SeNcMAe9IU
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) May 25, 2023
Oprah Winfrey, who visited Tina in the hospital in 2019, expressed her awareness of Tina’s declining health. Reflecting on their last encounter, Oprah remarked, “I expected that was going to be the last time I saw her.” With Tina Turner’s passing, the world bids farewell to an extraordinary talent, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.