Angela Bassett shares ‘last words’ with Tina Turner

Angela Bassett shared an inspiring tribute to Tina Turner following news of the death of the singer at 83 on Wednesday.

Bassett, who played Turner in the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got To Do With It, lamented the artist in a statement to the hollywood reporter in which he asked, “How can we say goodbye to a woman who took ownership of her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?”

Celebrating the eight-time Grammy winner’s strength, Bassett continued: “Through her courage in telling his story, her commitment to stay the course of her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others that they lived in fear of the beautiful future. filled with love, compassion and freedom it should be.”

“His last words to me, to me, were: ‘You never imitated me. Instead, you reached into the depths of your soul, found your inner Tina and showed it to the world,’” the “Black Panther” actor revealed. “I will keep these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honored to have known Tina Turner.”

“I’m honored to have helped show it to the world,” Bassett added. “So today, as we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence of hers, she gave us more than we could have asked for.”

“She gave us her whole being. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be ‘simply the best’. Angels, sing your rest… Queen.”

Turner’s representatives announced that he had died at his home near Zurich on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

Turner’s team made a statement through her. instagram, captioning a photo of the star: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her limitless passion for her life, she captivated millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. ”

Turner’s monumental musical career spanned more than six decades, with hits like 1971’s “Proud Mary,” 1989’s “The Best,” and, of course, 1984’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” of Rock and Roll Fame twice, first with ex-husband Ike Turner in 1991 and then as a solo artist in 2021.