Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, whose raw voice, charismatic stage presence, and resiliency in the face of adversity made her a global superstar, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Her death, which followed a long illness, marks the end of an era that saw her rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful female rock artists of all time.
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, Tina Turner’s career spanned over five decades, touching countless lives with her powerful voice and infectious energy. Her music transcended boundaries, making her a household name around the world. However, her personal life was marked by hardship and struggle, including a high-profile and tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner.
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Tina Turner: The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll Who Conquered the World [10 Facts]
In the later years of her life, Turner resided in Switzerland, where she had been living since 1994 with her husband, music executive Erwin Bach. They were married in 2013, nearly three decades after they first met in 1985. Bach, demonstrating his unwavering love and support, was the donor of the kidney that saved her life in 2017 following an intestinal cancer diagnosis in 2016.
Did Tina Turner Relinquish US Citizenship?
While the world mourns the loss of this musical titan, there are questions around why the Tennessee-born singer chose to leave the United States, ultimately relinquishing her US citizenship.
Tina Turner first left the US in 1995 to be with her then-boyfriend, Erwin Bach. She stated in 1997, “I have left America because my success was in another country and my boyfriend was in another country.” She went on to express her desire to go to Switzerland and her happiness when she finally did.
Why she Renounced US Citizenship?
Tina, who spent almost 20 years living in the Zurich suburb of Kusnacht, expressed her contentment with her life in Switzerland. In 2013, shortly before her wedding, she told Blick she was “very happy in Switzerland” and felt “at home here.” She and Bach shared a $76 million Swiss estate overlooking Lake Zurich, although they had to wait until she had citizenship to buy the 260,000-square-foot home as nonresidents can’t buy property in the country.
Tina Turner became a Swiss citizen after she got married, expressing her intent to relinquish her US citizenship voluntarily. She saw Switzerland as her home, and the citizenship gave her more rights, including the ability to purchase property. She signed the Statement of Voluntary Relinquishment of US Citizenship under Section 349 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, stating that she no longer had ties to the US except for family and had no plans to live in the United States in the future. To gain Swiss citizenship, she had to pass a mandatory citizenship test which tested her knowledge of the German language and Swiss history.
Tina Turner’s decision to renounce her US citizenship was driven by her personal circumstances and her desire to embrace her life in Switzerland fully. She found love and stability in Switzerland, and the country provided her with a sense of belonging. The ability to purchase property as a Swiss citizen was also an important factor. By relinquishing her US citizenship, she made a definitive statement about where she wanted to call home.
As Tina Turner settled into the latter stages of her life in Switzerland, her status as an iconic figure in the music industry remained unshaken, leaving an everlasting imprint on the world of rock ‘n’ roll. Throughout her remarkable career, she encountered numerous challenges, both in her professional and personal life, yet her unwavering strength and resilience served as a beacon of inspiration for all. Today, Tina Turner’s legacy lives on through her timeless music, which continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of artists.
Tina Turner’s journey was one of triumph over adversity. From her early beginnings as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, she navigated a path toward stardom with determination and talent. Her electrifying performances, fueled by her raw and powerful voice, captivated audiences around the globe. With hits like “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and “Simply the Best,” Tina Turner solidified her position as one of the most influential and beloved rock ‘n’ roll artists of all time.
Yet, behind the scenes, Tina’s personal life was riddled with hardships. Her tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner, both a musical partner and an abusive husband, tested her strength and resolve. Eventually finding the courage to leave the destructive relationship, Tina embarked on a solo career that would redefine her legacy and establish her as an independent force to be reckoned with.
Switzerland became Tina Turner’s refuge and sanctuary. In 1994, she made the decision to settle in the picturesque Zurich suburb of Kusnacht, where she would spend nearly two decades of her life. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Switzerland, Tina found solace and contentment in her new home.
It was in Switzerland that Tina Turner’s love story unfolded. In 1985, she crossed paths with Erwin Bach, a music executive who would become her partner in life and her rock of support. Their love endured the test of time, culminating in their marriage in 2013. Bach’s unwavering devotion was further exemplified when he selflessly donated a kidney to Tina in 2017, ultimately saving her life.
During her time in Switzerland, Tina Turner made the decision to relinquish her US citizenship and become a Swiss citizen. She saw Switzerland as her true home, where she felt a sense of belonging and where her happiness flourished. The Swiss citizenship granted her additional rights, including the ability to purchase property, solidifying her bond with the country she had come to love.
While Tina Turner faced health challenges in her later years, her indomitable spirit never wavered. Her musical contributions and iconic performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her music remains timeless, a testament to her talent and the enduring power of her voice.
As we bid farewell to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, we can take solace in knowing that her legacy will endure. Tina Turner’s journey serves as a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit, the strength to overcome adversity, and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Her music will forever be a source of inspiration, empowering future generations of artists to find their own voices and conquer their own challenges.
In the end, Tina Turner’s story is not just about a life lived in full, but a life that will forever reverberate in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history. Her legacy will continue to inspire, uplift, and remind us all that we have the power to transform our lives, just as she did with her undeniable talent and unwavering determination.
FAQs
Tina Turner passed away on May 24, 2023
She died at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland
Tina Turner was 83 years old when she died
The cause of death was not specified but it was reported that she had been suffering from a “long illness” before she died
In her memoir “My Love Story”, Tina Turner revealed she faced multiple life-threatening illnesses in her old age. She had a stroke in 2013, and suffered kidney failure which led to a transplant from her long-term partner Erwin Bach in 2017. She also mentioned having multiple injuries in the 2010s
In her later life, Turner embraced Buddhist teachings, which include accepting life and death. She was quoted as saying, “Death is not a problem for me, I really don’t mind leaving,” and expressed that she felt ready for it. She also shared that she was happier than she had ever been, indicating that she found peace and contentment in her later years
