Fans that attended the Tina Turner Musical learned of the singer's death during an emotional interval speech.
On Wednesday May 25, it was sadly announced that the legendary singer who was the voice behind classic hits like 'Proud Mary' and 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' had passed away at her home in Switzerland at the age of 83, following a long illness.
The award-winning hitmaker forged an extremely successful solo career during the 1980s and 1990s after leaving her abusive husband and music partner, Ike Turner.
Her death was first announced by her representative in a statement, which read: "Tina Turner, the 'queen of rock'n'roll' has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland," per Sky News.
"With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model... With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations," they added.
Fans that watched the Broadway musical based on Queen of Rock'n'Roll's tumultuous life and stellar career at the Aldwych Theatre in London, England learned of her passing during last night's show.
During the show's interval, the cast and crew appeared on stage to break the very emotional news to the audience. According to the Daily Mail, two sisters called Barbara and Izzie told the outlet that there were "gasps" from the theatergoers.
They reportedly said that the statement was "poignant" and "somber" but the 'The Best' songstress "would have wanted the show to go on" - which is what the cast did "brilliantly".
Other attendees took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the devastating announcement as one person penned: "Last night @lizzie1708 kindly surprised me with tickets to the Tina Turner musical. Sadly we found out that she passed away during the interval so it was a strange feeling going back in for the second half.
"The cast came on stage to announce the tragic news, they read a lovely statement and we had a one-minute silence. It was a truly unbelievable way to experience the rest of show with this news hanging over us but it was also a beautiful reminder of Tina Turner's incredible music and astonishing talent. She was simply the best. RIP," they added.
And, another fan wrote: "Surreal night to be at @TinaTheMusical. Power to the whole cast for their tributes and phenomenal performances."
In the aftermath of Turner’s death, a number of high-profile figures from across the music industry have shared tributes to her. Beyonce - who collaborated with the late singer at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in 2008 - wrote in a message on her official website.
“My beloved queen, I love you endlessly," she said. "I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done."
Weeks before her death, Turner opened up about her health struggles on International World Kidney Day on March 9, revealing she put herself in "grave danger" by not taking her 1978 hypertension diagnosis seriously.
"My kidneys are victims of my not realizing that my high blood pressure should have been treated with conventional medicine," she wrote. "I have put myself in great danger by refusing to face the reality that I need daily, lifelong therapy with medication. For far too long I believed that my body was an untouchable and indestructible bastion."
Our thoughts are with Turner's family, friends, and fans at this time.
