Beyoncé and Jagger lead tributes to Tina Turner

A number of Wednesday night’s tributes referred to her escape from her husband’s abuse.

The charity Women’s Aid was among those to quote one of Turner’s songs, saying: “She will always be simply the best.”

TV presenter Oprah Winfrey cited Turner’s “courage”, adding: “Her life became a clarion call for triumph.”

In an effusive message, singer Mariah Carey called Turner not only an “incredible performer” but also a “survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere”.

Beyoncé, another younger star who was influenced by Turner, wrote on her website: “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly.

“I am so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of passion and power.

“We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”

Singer PP Arnold – who performed alongside Turner – told the BBC that the two women’s relationship had “changed my life” and saved her from an abusive teen marriage.

Numerous other musicians including Janelle Monáe, Dolly Parton, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Sir Tom Jones were quick to hail the late performer’s achievements.

She won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a solo artist, having earlier been inducted alongside Ike.

Her glittering career also saw her make film appearances; while the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got To Do With It told the story of her own life.

Angela Bassett, who memorably earned an Oscar nomination for playing Turner, said the star had “showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like”.

In a lengthy statement to Deadline, she added: “Her final words to me – for me – were ‘You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.’

“I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honoured to have known Tina Turner.”

Fans around the world paid their own respects – with flowers laid on Turner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, and candles lit outside her home in Küsnacht, near Zurich.

Bouquets were left outside London’s Aldwych Theatre – the current home of a musical named Tina, about the late singer’s life.

The show’s star Kristina Love addressed the news on stage, recalling the time she met Turner, who had made her “feel comfortable with the mammoth task ahead in playing her”.

The BBC also heard reactions from members of the public outside Washington DC’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Turner was the “epitome of resilience and starting again”, said one woman named Marlene.

Ernest Lawrence, a T-shirt seller, said he planned to make a design with Turner on it – explaining that the performer had “one of the most successful legacies in music in my lifetime”.

He hailed the late star as a “great black female” and a “positive image for any woman”, having overcome “hard times” in her personal life.