We gather here to celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Tina Turner, a superstar and trailblazer in the world of music, who has sadly passed away at the age of 83​. Her soulful classics and pop hits like "The Best" and "What's Love Got to Do With It" have left an indelible mark on our collective memory, forever reminding us of her powerhouse presence and the joy she shared with the world.

Born in Tennessee into a sharecropping family, Tina—originally named Anna Mae Bullock—first found prominence as a backing singer for her husband's band, The Kings of Rhythm​. Together, they enjoyed commercial success with hits like "Fool in Love" and "It's Gonna Work Out Fine." She rose to fame in the 1960s, but these were also years marked by her husband's physical and emotional abuse, a trauma she candidly addressed in her 2018 memoir, "My Love Story"​.

After divorcing Ike Turner in 1978, Tina embarked on a solo career, demonstrating her resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity​​. Her 1980s hits included "Let's Stay Together" and "Private Dancer," and she even starred in the 1985 film "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," showcasing her multifaceted talent​​.

Tina's life was not only about music but also about overcoming personal challenges. Despite health issues including cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure, her spirit remained undeterred​​. She found happiness in her second marriage to German music executive Erwin Bac, who donated one of his kidneys to her when she was suffering from kidney failure. They lived together in Switzerland, where Tina took Swiss citizenship​. She experienced the tragic loss of her eldest son Craig to suicide in 2018, and another son, Ronnie, passed away in 2021​.

Dubbed the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner was known for her raunchy, energetic stage performances and her powerful, husky vocals​. Her influence has shaped the careers of numerous artists, including Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna​. Tributes have poured in from around the world, from the Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger to actress Viola Davis, all testifying to her unparalleled legacy​​.

Tina's remarkable journey has been the subject of a 1993 biopic, "What's Love Got To Do With It," and a hit stage musical, "Tina: The Musical," testifying to the lasting impact of her life and career. Her legacy is a testament to her own words: "People think my life has been tough, but I think it's been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realize it's not what happened, it's how you deal with it."

We remember Tina Turner as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and unbridled ownership of sexuality. She was a unique and remarkable force of nature who forever expanded the scope of what a Black woman could achieve on stage. Today, we mourn her passing but celebrate the life of a dear friend who has left us with her greatest work: her music​.