Cher was with her friend Tina Turner just hours before Turner died, a detail confirmed by Turners manager, Bernard Doherty, to People magazine.
Turners translator described a moment at Turners home in Zurich, noting that she was surrounded by friends. Turner spoke softly about her own happiness on that visit, even while she faced serious illness.
“Icon”, “legend”, “star”… a torrent of homage to Tina Turner
Turners longtime associate shared that Cher visited to emphasize their friendship and to remind Turner that she would not be forgotten. A circle of friends took shifts to keep Turner company, a gesture Turner welcomed and cherished. Cher recalled Turners bittersweet strength, saying that Turner remained determined and spirited as they laughed together in those difficult hours, even though Turner was very sick and asked for privacy.
Turners health history was marked by a series of serious battles. Diagnosed with hypertension in 1978, she later suffered a stroke in 2013, a few weeks after marrying her husband, Erwin Bach. Bach would later donate a kidney to Turner in 2017. In a conversation with the European Kidney Health Alliance, Turner reflected on the kidney surgery, noting that it was successful but that she still experienced occasional nausea and dizziness afterward.
Top 10 Tina Turner Songs: From “Get Back” to “The Best”
Cher remembered that Turner faced challenges at home, including the presence of dialysis equipment, yet Turner stayed resilient and fought the illness with remarkable courage. She once told Cher she felt a readiness to face what lay ahead, even when the burden seemed overwhelming. Turners enduring spirit left a lasting impression on Cher and many others who admired her.
Turner, known as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, collaborated with Cher several times during the 1970s. Their careers intersected at moments when Turner was navigating personal and professional upheavals, and their friendship grew stronger as Turner embraced a new life with freedom and hope. Those days are remembered as a turning point, when Turner found a sense of calm and a breath of fresh air in her evolving path, a sentiment Cher captured with warmth and admiration.
Coldplay later dedicated its Barcelona concert to Tina Turner, celebrating her influence and enduring legacy. In interviews, Cher spoke about Turners strength and perseverance, saying that Turner never backed down from a fight. She described Turner as someone who inspired others to persevere through their own battles and to believe in the possibility of brighter days ahead.
final reflection from Cher highlights Turners impact on music and on the lives of those who loved her. Through highs and lows, Turner remained a force, a beacon of courage, and a reminder that true artistry endures beyond illness and time.