Tina Turner shared an empowering final message to her London fans just five weeks before her shock death aged 83.
The legendary singer died at her home in Küsnach near Zurich, Switzerland, following a long illness, her publicist confirmed on Wednesday night.
Just last month, she celebrated the fifth anniversary of her stage show, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, at the West End’s Aldwych Theatre on April 18.
The jukebox musical depicts the singer’s life from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, surviving domestic violence at the hands of ex-husband Ike Turner and later transformating into a rock ‘n’ roll megastar.
Although Turner wasn’t in attendance, she shared a heartfelt message with the audience, in whichThe Standard was present, about how her story was one of “survival” – but ultimately joy.
Relaying Turner’s message, show producer Tali Pelman said before the Gala performance: “Now as I said Tina couldn’t be here this evening, but I spoke with her today and with her husband, Erwin Bach, and she wanted me to tell you how much tonight means to her.
“Typically, and true to herself, she put it perfectly and succinctly and I quote, ‘My story is a survivor’s story, but in survival there is joy and let tonight be a sharing of joy’”.
Two days after the milestone, Turner took to social media to pay tribute to the stage show, writing: “Sending so much love to @tinathemusical. Proud of our wonderful show, and thrilled that we’re celebrating 5 years in the West End – long may it continue!”
Following news of her death, tributes have been paid to the late star at the West End theatre where the award-winning musical based on her life continues to perform to sell-out audiences.
Fans laid flowers outside the building as Wednesday night’s crowd was told the news of her death by performers and were greeted by a huddle of reporters as the doors opened at the end of the night.
Turner was also remembered by actor Cole Dunn who said the legendary singer was “nothing but lovely to every staff member” at the theatre where the show launched in 2018.
Across her career, which began in the 1950s, the American-born singer won over hearts with classic songs including River Deep - Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits.
She was a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and won a total of 12 Grammy Awards.
A private funeral ceremony will be held for Turner, attended by close friends and family.
She had suffered ill-health in recent years, being diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and having a kidney transplant in 2017.
