Tina Turner once told Oprah Winfrey that she'd be "excited" once the time came for her to pass on.
Best known for mega-hits like 'The Best' and 'What's Love Got To Do With It', Turner was a symbol of resilience - having rebuilt her solo career from the ground up in the 1980s following an abusive relationship with her ex-husband and former music partner Ike Turner.
The 83-year-old musician, known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, sadly passed away on Wednesday (May 24) after a long illness, her representatives confirmed this week. "With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow," read a post shared on Turner's Instagram.
"Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."
Among the many famous faces paying tribute to the veteran musician was Oprah Winfrey, who had spent a lot of time with the 'Proud Mary' singer over the years.
Taking to Instagram, Winfrey posted several images of the duo, captioning the carousel of photos with: "I started out as a fan of Tina Turner, then a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then, eventually, we became real friends. She is our forever goddess of rock 'n' roll who contained a magnitude of inner strength that grew throughout her life. She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn't know existed.
"Once she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph. I'm grateful for her courage, for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolo's and a leather miniskirt," Winfrey continued.
Elsewhere in the caption, the talkshow host added that Turner had been open with her about her feelings on death. "She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious. Because she had learned how to LIVE surrounded by her beloved husband, Erwin, and friends," Winfrey revealed. "I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best."
This isn't the first time Winfrey has spoken about her love for Turner, recalling for O, The Oprah Magazine in 2005 how "electrifying" it was to see Turner perform.
"Watching Tina perform is what I call a spiritual experience. Each electrifying swing of her miniskirt, every slide of her three-inch Manolos across the stage, sends a message: I am here. I have triumphed. I will not be broken."
She added: "When I leave a Tina concert, I feel the same way I do after I've seen any great art: I want to be a better human being."
