Former US President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to music superstar Tina Turner, who died on Wednesday, May 24, at the age of 83.
While commemorating the late musician on social media, the 61-year-old lawmaker praised him as ‘raw’ and ‘strong.’
‘She was invincible. ‘And she was unabashedly herself, speaking and singing her truth through joy and suffering, success and tragedy,’ the father-of-two wrote on Twitter.
‘Today, we join fans all over the world in honouring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade,’ he added.
Former US President Barack Obama pays passionate homage to Tina Turner.
His remarks came just hours after President Joe Biden posted a lengthy homage to the pioneering guitarist on The White House website.
Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee before she became the Queen of Rock and Roll. She sung in the church choir as a child before becoming one of the most popular recording artists of all time,’ he explained.
‘With 12 Grammy Awards, she was the only woman to win in the pop, rock, and R&B categories, demonstrating her flexibility, originality, and broad appeal,’ Biden continued. Millions of people attended her shows. Her high-octane dance routines became renowned. And her famous singles, such as Proud Mary, The Best, and What’s Love Got to Do with It, are still cherished and sung at full voice by generations of fans.’
Turner was described as a “once-in-a-generation talent who changed American music forever” by the Scranton native, who also praised her “remarkable” inner resilience.
‘Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she forged a career for the ages, as well as a life and legacy that were uniquely hers,’ he wrote.
‘Jill and I express our thoughts and prayers to her husband Erwin, the rest of the Turner family, and fans all over the world who are mourning the loss of the woman they all agree was’simply the best.’
In her farewell interview, just six weeks ago, the iconic singer, who died at her home in Küsnach near Zurich, Switzerland, declared she wanted to be remembered as ‘the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.’
Turner leaves behind two adult kids and her husband, Erwin Bach, whom she dated for 30 years before marrying a decade ago. Two of her sons died before her; in 2018, her son Craig, 59, committed suicide at home in Los Angeles.
Turner’s son Ronnie died in December of last year at the age of 62 from complications from colorectal cancer.
