In a heartbreaking and honest interview just before she died, Tina Turner said she was “ready” for death and didn’t mind “leaving.”
Just a few years before she died and while she was dealing with a long list of major health issues, Tina Turner admitted that she was “ready” for death.
The legendary musician passed away last week at the age of 83 in Switzerland after a “long illness.” Her precise cause of death hasn’t been made public, although she had a lot of health problems over the years, including cancer, a stroke, and renal failure.
The Proud Mary singer made it obvious that she had been ready for the worst years earlier when she spoke to the BBC in 2018.
“Well, if it’s time…” She told a British broadcaster, “I felt like, ‘I’m in my late 70s, my mother died at 84, my sister died at 74, and I thought maybe this is my turn.”
“Buddhism encourages acceptance of both life and death. Thought it was my time even though I was prepared.”
The multiple Grammy Award winner also disclosed that, after relocating to Switzerland, she had learned about and opted for the assisted suicide option.
She added at the time, “Death is not a problem for me, I don’t mind leaving.”
Turner, however, realized she had a fresh lease on life after her husband, Erwin Bach, gave a kidney to her.
“I’ve never been happier in my life,” she said. “I’m more content than I ever imagined my life to be,” she added.
“That indicates that most of my difficulties occurred while I was a child and growing up. And my delight arrived in the latter days when most people were afflicted with old age and illness.”
“I’m genuinely happy.”
“I did fall a few days ago and broke something; as a result, I was in a wheelchair and using crutches; perhaps now I’m going through my sick phase, and I believe it will last until I’m in my 90s. I’ll be here for some time.”
Turner maintained a quiet profile in her later years, but on April 17, she granted British Vogue her farewell interview, which was recently published.
The Nutbush singer talked openly about how she overcame adversity, including the loss of two of her four boys, to live a fully happy life.
She told the magazine, “My life has been full, but there have been many painful situations that I now forgive and try to forget.”
“Perhaps that is the solution: to keep going on, to let go, and to strive to surround yourself with love. I’m grateful to be where I am right now.”
Turner was questioned about what advice she would give her younger self in the same interview.
“I would advise myself to persevere and to keep pushing for everything I desire. It will materialize, and the wait will be worthwhile.”
In a statement released recently, the singer’s publicist announced her passing: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll,’ passed away peacefully today at the age of 83 following a protracted illness in her home in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland.”
“The world loses a musical legend and a role model.”
The official Tina Turner Instagram account also posted a message confirming her passing.
The statement read, “It is with great sadness that we announce Tina Turner’s passing.”
“She charmed millions of admirers worldwide with her music and her inexhaustible zest for life, and she inspired the stars of tomorrow.”
“We say farewell to a close friend today, leaving behind her greatest contribution to the world: her music.”
“Her family is on the receiving end of our deepest sympathy. We will miss you terribly, Tina.”
The music legend sold 100 million records throughout her illustrious career, garnered 12 Grammy Awards, and was elected as a solo artist into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
She was said to have “expanded the once-limited idea of how a Black woman could conquer a stage and be both a powerhouse and a multidimensional being.”
