Ike Turner Jr. and Tina Turner | Source: Getty Images
- Tina Turner passed away on May 24, 2023, in her Küsnacht, Switzerland home. She was 83.
- The iconic singer had four sons, two adopted and two biological. Her biological sons, Craig and Ronnie, have both passed on.
- Her living children, Ike Turner Jr. and Michael Turner live completely different lives and were not in touch with their mother while she was still alive.
Iconic singer Tina Turner passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 83. At the time of her death, she was living in Küsnacht, Switzerland with her husband, Erwin Bach.
Before her death, the singer suffered several health issues. She was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016, had a kidney transplant in 2017, and suffered from high blood pressure for most of her later life.
Tina Turner smiles during the presentation of the music project 'Beyond - Three Voices For Peace' on May 14, 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland. | Source: Getty Images
Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Tennessee, Turner found fame in the late 1960s when she collaborated with Ike Turner in the music scene. After getting married in 1962, they separated in 1976 after years of enduring physical and emotional abuse from her husband.
With no money to her name, Turner worked hard to make a comeback. By the 1980s, she had one of the biggest comebacks in pop music, bringing the world hit after hit in "The Best," "Private Dancer," and "What's Love Got To Do With It."
For years, Turner was on top of the game. She was an international superstar, selling over 180 million records, selling out several world tours in the biggest stadiums, and winning a total of 12 Grammy Awards in her lifetime.
A portrait of Tina Turner circa 1985. | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a second time for her work as a solo artist. This came 30 years after she was first inducted alongside her ex-husband Ike.
Turner's personal life was as eventful as her career. She gave birth to her first son, Craig Raymond Turner, on August 29, 1958. She shared him with saxophonist Raymond Hill.
Later on, Turner got into a relationship with Ike Turner Sr., and he ended up adopting Craig. Her son died in July 2018 after taking his own life.
The death was a painful one for Turner. She scattered his ashes in the ocean. She wrote a statement regarding Craig's death, saying: "He was fifty-nine when he died so tragically, but he will always be my baby."
Tina Turner, Ike Turner, and their children, Michael, Ike Jr., Ronnie, and Craig Hill. | Source: Getty Images
The singer never knew why her son struggled. He was working as a real estate agent and was dating a woman whom he was looking forward to introducing to his mother. Ultimately, she felt loneliness was the reason why her son went off the edge.
Tina and Ike Sr. welcomed their only son Ronnie Turner on October 27, 1960. The singer was quite open about raising her son in a privileged way, putting him through private school, giving him lavish allowances, and providing him with everything he needs.
Unfortunately, despite everything being given to him, Ronnie was self-destructive. He suffered from substance abuse, and by 1986, Turner had cut him off financially.
Tina Turner hugs Shawn Bell, 10, at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital on Friday, Oct. 20, 2000 in Memphis, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Ronnie followed in his parents' footsteps in the music industry. He played bass in a band called Manufactured Funk and had a cameo in his parents' biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It" in 1993.
Ronnie reportedly had two children and got married in March 2007 to a French singer named Afida Turner when he was 46. In December 2022, Ronnie died of colon cancer at the age of 62.
In the same way, she wrote a tribute to Craig when he died, Turner also wrote Ronnie a tribute a day after he died. "In sorrow, I close my eyes and think of you. My beloved son," she wrote.
Her Adopted Son Became a Superstar
Turner had an adoptive son named Ike Turner Jr. whom her husband Ike Sr. had with a woman named Lorraine Taylor in 1958. He was adopted by Turner when he was a child.
Admittedly, Ike Jr. once admitted that Turner was "the only mother I've ever known." He followed his parents in the entertainment industry, playing drums and piano as a child.
He ended up playing every instrument available to him, save for the horn. By the age of 13, he was touring alongside his dad and was out of school. He ran his dad's recording studio and went on tour with him.
Ronald Turner, son of Ike and Tina Turner, speaks to the congregation with his wife at his side, during a memorial service for singer and musician Ike Turner on December 21, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
Even after Ike Sr.'s split from Turner, she remained on good terms with her adoptive son. He even briefly worked as her sound engineer despite Ike Sr. wanting them to cut ties.
Unfortunately, by 1985, Ike Jr. lost touch with his mother. At the time, he felt like the singer was neglecting her responsibility as a mother to him and his two brothers, Michael and Ronnie.
By 2018, he reiterated his sentiments by saying he and Turner had not gotten in contact with each other for over a decade. Talking about her choice to cut ties with him, he said:
“My mother is living her life – she has a new husband, and she's in Europe. She doesn't want to have anything to do with the past.”
Ike Turner (L) and Ike Turner Jr. (R) pose with his Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album for "Risin' With The Blues" in the press room at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 11, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
To date, Ike Jr. continues to make music. He's a Grammy Award-winning artist and recently released a song titled "Yes To Life" with singer Sweet Randi Love.
Ike Jr. allegedly inherited part of his father's estate when he died in 2007, however, the amount was never disclosed. Ike Sr. didn't have a valid will at the time of his death, which is why a Superior Court Judge ruled that his estate would be shared by his children.
The ruling was made after two other people claimed to have had a written will in their possession. Ike Sr.'s ex-wife, Audrey Madison Turner, claimed she was the rightful owner of her husband's estate, as he left her with a handwritten will.
Likewise, Ike Sr.'s longtime friend James Clayron also claimed he had a written will from Ike Sr., making him the lone benefactor of the musician's estate. Ultimately, none of them got a share, and both wills were nullified.
Ike Turner (L) stands with guest Audrey Madison and Ike Turner Jr. after he was inducted into the Hollywood Rockwalk along with Muddy Waters, Robert Cray, Solomon Burke and Etta James on April 4, 2005 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her Other Son Went to a Convalescent Home
Turner's other adopted son, Michael Turner, was from Ike Sr.'s relationship with Lorraine Taylor. The singer adopted Michael before she split from Ike.
The divorce took a toll on Michael, who wanted them to work out their differences and get back together. The gravity of the situation took a toll on his health, and he was often hospitalized.
As an adult, Michael suffered from substance abuse. At the time, he acknowledged Turner as a woman who would do anything for him, yet he didn't give her a call when he needed it most.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images
Michael clarified what he thought of Tina, yet acknowledged his need for freedom. He was once quoted saying:
"Tina was really good to me, and I love her, but I can't live with anybody. I [have to be] free to do what I want to do."
In 2017, Ike Jr. reported that his brother was now bound to a wheelchair after suffering several seizures and strokes. A year later, he revealed that Michael was living in a convalescent home in Southern California to get the proper care he needed.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, when it came to Turner, she was not able to visit Michael at the convalescent home while she was still alive. Instead, she sent him her support by providing for him financially whenever needed.
With Turner no longer around, the world is mourning the loss of an iconic woman who endured so much in life only to pick herself back up and start anew.
On the opening night of the musical at the West End, Turner announced that after everything she had to endure, she finally forgave her ex-husband.
Fans were able to get a glimpse of Turner's life through "Tina – The Tina Turner Musical" at the West End and a year later, on Broadway.
The musical on Turner's life has earned a total of 12 Tony nominations, winning one for lead star Adrienne Warren's portrayal of Turner.
On the opening night of the musical at the West End, Turner announced that after everything she had to endure, she finally forgave her ex-husband. Her announcement was met with loud applause from the audience.
While people were glad to hear that Turner had forgiven her late ex-husband, her son claimed that it was too late for that. He said his mother should have forgiven Ike Sr. while he was still alive, the same way he did.
Since 1994, Turner had lived in Switzerland with Erwin Bach, a German music producer who once won her heart. They took their relationship to the next level back in July 2013 when they got married in an intimate celebration.
Despite the health issues Turner faced in her later years, her representative clarified that she died of natural causes. She once tried to end her life through assisted suicide because of the pain she had to endure due to kidney failure, but her husband saved her life.
Bach is set to receive half of Turner's estate, which is estimated to be around $250 million. A private funeral ceremony has been planned for the singer's closest family and friends.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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