Former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have joined current US president Joe Biden in praising Tina Turner’s “once-in-a-generation talent.”
Biden praised the artist for having “changed American music forever” as well as having “remarkable” personal courage.
Turner, who received numerous Grammy awards and was known for songs like “The Best” and “Proud Mary,” passed away “peacefully” on Wednesday at the age of 83.
Following the announcement, current and previous US presidents joined her supporters and others in the entertainment business to commemorate her.
Biden said, “Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.”
“In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable.
“Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers.
“Jill and I send our love and prayers to her husband Erwin, the rest of the Turner family, and fans around the world who are mourning today for the woman they agree was ‘simply the best’’.
Turner was referred to as “raw, powerful, and unstoppable” in a joint statement sent to Twitter and Instagram by Obama and the former first lady, Michelle Obama.
“She was unapologetically herself, speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy,” they said.
“Today we join fans around the world in honouring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.”
Harris claimed Turner was “simply the best” and a “spectacular light” on Twitter.
“Tina Turner was a spectacular light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been,” she said.
“From Nutbush, TN to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her strength, voice, and signature moves inspired millions. Tina Turner was simply the best.”
Clinton recounted seeing the singer twice in his own post—first in 1984 and once again on her 67th birthday at a charity event with Sir Elton John in Russia.
“I loved Tina Turner and will never forget meeting her when she came to Little Rock for a concert after releasing Private Dancer in 1984,” he said.
“We met again on her 67th birthday in St Petersburg, where she and Elton John sang for a charity event.
“She still had it, talent, style, energy and authenticity. A priceless gift to music lovers everywhere. May she rest in peace.”
Clinton’s former vice president Al Gore also praised Turner’s “perseverance and show-stopping talent”.
“Raised in the small town of Nutbush, TN Tina Turner grew up to become the Queen of Rock & Roll,” he said.
“But it was her strength, perseverance & show-stopping talent that made her a global icon.
“I join fans around the world in mourning her loss & celebrating the joy she brought millions.”
Former president George W. Bush famously referred to Turner’s legs as “the most famous in showbusiness” in 2005, and it was claimed that she had hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of insurance on them.
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