In an exclusive essay for Oprah Daily, Oprah shares the powerful impact Tina Turner had on her life: “I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine.”
On finding out thew news of Tina’s passing, which stunned her “into immediate tears”: I was just about to head to a gala dinner following a spectacular fashion show in Milan. This is me stretching my new knees and wings a bit after 322 days straight never leaving my yard during Covid. Trying new fun experiences. I had turned my phone off. Gayle’s phone was blowing up with messages and condolences for Tina Turner. I heard her say, “Oh no, Tina Turner is dead.”
The words stunned me into immediate tears. I had been expecting to hear this news four years ago in 2019 after visiting her at a hospital in Switzerland, where she told me she was ready to leave this earth. She said she had a full life and was “tired.” I’m always wary when someone who is ill says they’re tired. It often means they are tired of the work and energy it takes to stay alive. I left the hospital thinking that would be my last time seeing her. I was on alert for a full year afterward, waiting to get “the call” from her devoted husband, Erwin. Instead there were calls with news of improvements, new treatments, therapies, doctors. There were setbacks and stabilization. I even received an invite to celebrate her 80th birthday, then her 82nd.
On how Tina was her “shero”: Tina Turner was my “shero.” She was a model for triumphant living. I started out as a fan, then was a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then we eventually became friends and I got to eat eggs with truffle for the first time at her breakfast table, laugh in her kitchen, attend her wedding to Erwin. I would’ve been fine remaining a Tina groupie, but becoming her friend was a blessing in my lifetime.
On how dancing on stage with her was “the most fun I ever remember”: She is our forever goddess of rock ’n’ roll and was someone who contained a magnitude of inner strength that grew throughout her life. She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed. I had the chance to join Tina onstage during her “Wildest Dreams” tour. I even wore a classic Tina-style wig and was able to get a glimpse of her enchanted world. It was the most nervous I’ve ever been in life. Dancing onstage with her at a stadium in Los Angeles was the most fun I ever remember having while stepping out of my box.
Tina lived out of the box and encouraged me and every other woman to do the same. After she claimed her freedom from years of domestic abuse, her life became a clarion call for triumph. I’m grateful for her courage and for showing us what victory looks like wearing Manolos and an Armani beaded miniskirt.
She once shared with me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but excited and curious. Because she had learned how to LIVE surrounded by her beloved husband, Erwin, and friends. I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best.
LINK: https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a44002330/tina-turner-death-oprah-winfrey-tribute/