“How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?”
Angela Bassett believes she has carried a portion of Tina Turner in her spirit since her 1993 biopic. Turner, a renowned musician who first gained fame in the 1960s, passed away on May 24 at the age of 83 at her home in Switzerland, according to her publicist, Bernard Doherty.
Angela Bassett inducting Tina Turner into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 pic.twitter.com/et7nNWLtLt
— kenny jones (@relientkenny) May 24, 2023
Bassett remarked in a statement provided to NBC News by her representative that "it's impossible to say goodbye to someone who was as impactful as Turner," per TODAY. In the tribute to the 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Bassett included Turner's final words to her. “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,” she remembered.
Angela Bassett pays tribute to Tina Turner: "While we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that that will always be 'simply the best.'" https://t.co/0zSzIw99Jr pic.twitter.com/IHYvu6GVJs
— Variety (@Variety) May 24, 2023
In the 1993 biopic What's Love Got to Do With It, Bassett played Turner, which led to her first Academy Award nomination. “How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?” she asked. “Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like,” she said.
Angela Bassett Locked the essence of Tina Turner into a great movie. Forever locked in as a classic. pic.twitter.com/gITDiIqA3d
— O.T.G (@365OTG) May 24, 2023
Turner had penned an essay for TIME in April in honor of Bassett, who was listed as one of the year's 100 most influential individuals by the publication. Turner stated there that she was initially dubious of the Bassett-starring biography because she questioned whether anyone could sing and dance as well as she did. “She’s perfect,” Turner recalled thinking when she saw Bassett.
tina turner teaching angela bassett her signature walk & moves for the whats love got to do with it film. a moment. pic.twitter.com/4Cuksu6zAU
— khalia. | queen charlotte era 🍨🌿 (@VERONASFILMS) May 24, 2023
In her statement, Bassett too urged people to connect with their inner Tina. "So today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked," she said. "She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be 'simply the best.' Angels, sing thee to thy rest…Queen."
Tina Turner was not only an incredible talent but also one of the most inspirational women. I highly recommend this documentary. As well as biopic with iconic Angela Bassett who should have won an Oscar for it pic.twitter.com/eBPEilkIsG
— harlequinade ☘️🌵🌿 (@lady_sati) May 24, 2023
References:
https://www.today.com/news/tina-turner-last-words-angela-bassett-tribute-rcna86104
https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269879/angela-bassett/
Cover Image Source: (L) Getty Images | Photo by Jamie McCarthy; (R) Getty Images | Photo by Pascal Le Segretain
