In several emotional Instagram posts, Oprah Winfrey recalls her longtime friendship with the late Tina Turner.
Oprah Winfreys (69), in which she bids farewell to Tina Turner (1939-2023), it is noticeable how much her feelings fluctuate between deep sadness at the loss and absolute enthusiasm at having this extraordinary woman as a close one for many years having a girlfriend by her side.
“I was first a fan, then a real groupie”
She first recounts the history of that friendship: “I was first a Tina Turner fan, then a die-hard groupie who followed her from show to show across the country, and finally we became real friends.”
She learned a lot from Tina during their time together, without her her own life would have been different. “She is our eternal goddess of rock ‘n’ roll,” said the world-renowned star presenter, “who had a great inner strength that grew throughout her life. She was not just for me, but for the whole world a role model. She encouraged a part of me that I didn’t know existed.”
“I am grateful for their courage”
After Tina Turner finally freed herself from her marriage to her violent husband Ike Turner (1931-2007) in 1978, her life became a “trumpet of triumph”. “I’m grateful for her courage,” said Winfrey, “for showing us what victory looks like when you’re wearing Manolos and a leather miniskirt.”
The conclusion of her brief review: “I am a better woman, a better person because her life has touched mine. She was, in fact, simply the best.”
Tina Turner was “curious” about death
She was also deeply impressed by Tina Turner’s approach to the subject of dying: “She once told me that when her time came to leave this earth, she would not be afraid, but rather excited and curious. Because she had learned to LIVE with her beloved husband Erwin and her friends.”
Oprah and Tina live on Stage: “Simply the Best”
The presenter presented a short video in which she performed the song “Simply the Best” together with Tina Turner on stage during a concert of their “Wildest Dreams” tour in 1997.
She commented, “I had the opportunity to join Tina on stage during her Wildest Dreams tour and get a glimpse into her enchanted world. I was so nervous my knees were shaking. With her in Los Angeles Dancing on stage was the most fun I can remember stepping over my own shadow. Tina lived outside of all conventions and encouraged me and all women to do the same.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
