Let us take a journey back in time and recall the memorable moments when we enthusiastically sang along with the incredible Tina Turner, as she graced us with her rendition of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’.
Tina Turner, renowned for her remarkable vocal prowess, has etched her talent deep into the hearts and minds of countless individuals. The beloved songstress, who blessed us with an array of chart-topping hits, led a life filled with extraordinary events. However, it is with great sadness that we share the news of her passing at the age of 83 on Wednesday, following a prolonged battle with illness.
Tina Turner was an adored superstar, celebrated for her commanding vocals. In recent years, the iconic artist had slowed down due to health issues and personal reasons. Throughout this period, her husband, Erwin Bach, remained a pillar of unwavering support.
Their journey together was not always harmonious. Tina Turner acquired her surname from her first husband, Ike Turner. Their paths first crossed at a Manhattan nightclub, and from the moment they met, their destinies became intertwined. Initially collaborating on music, their relationship soon evolved into a more personal bond. Several years later, Tina and Ike journeyed to Tijuana, Mexico, where they exchanged wedding vows in 1962.
Although their marriage appeared flawless to the outside world, behind closed doors, it was marred by turmoil. Tina later disclosed in her book, ‘My Love Story,’ that the marriage was rife with abuse—both physical and verbal.
She candidly spoke about Ike’s volatile temperament and how he would resort to physical aggression whenever he felt slighted by Tina’s actions or words.
The cycle of abuse persisted for years until Tina reached a breaking point in 1976 and decided she could endure no more, separating from Ike. Two years later, she finalized their divorce.
Following her separation from Ike, Tina Turner resolved to remain single. However, fate had a different plan when she serendipitously crossed paths with Erwin Bach.
Their encounter occurred when Erwin, then a 30-year-old music executive for EMI, was assigned to pick up Tina from the airport for her performance in Germany. Tina recalls the instant attraction she felt upon seeing Erwin, saying, “He had the prettiest face. You could not miss it. My heart went bu-bum. It means that a soul has met. My hands were shaking. And Roger said to me, ‘Tina, you ride with Erwin,’ and I wanted to go, ‘Yay!'”
Despite her initial doubts stemming from past romantic experiences, Tina chose to delve deeper into getting to know Erwin.
Tina extended an invitation for Erwin to visit her in the United States, an invitation he gladly accepted. As the couple spent time together in Tina’s world, she became convinced that Erwin was the one for her. His genuine and laid-back nature resonated deeply with the renowned singer.
Their love remained steadfast until Tina’s final moments. Erwin expressed to the media, “It’s love. It’s something we both have for each other. I always refer to it as an electrical charge. I still have it. Even though when I left her two hours ago, I still have that feeling. It’s in my heart. I feel very warm about this.”
On Tina’s 50th birthday, Erwin decided to propose. Confident in a positive response, he was taken aback when Tina declined, citing her past negative experiences with marriage as the reason.
Reflecting on the proposal, Tina later revealed, “I said, ‘I don’t have an answer.’ It wasn’t yes, it wasn’t no. Marriage says ownership. I didn’t want that ‘my’ anything anymore. I had enough of that.”
Nevertheless, their love endured, and Erwin’s unwavering commitment eventually persuaded Tina to embrace marriage once again. Nearly three decades after the initial proposal, she finally said yes.
The couple exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at their luxurious estate in Switzerland. The guest list included prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King.
Tina dazzled in a breathtaking Giorgio Armani gown adorned with Swarovski crystals. She described the ceremony as an absolute fulfillment of her vision and was overjoyed with the celebration.
The couple chose to make their home in the picturesque Zurich suburb of Kuesnacht, overlooking the serene Lake Zurich. Their residence exuded an aura of regality, akin to a palace.
Since her retirement from performing in 2009, Tina lived a private life, residing permanently in her Swiss abode. In fact, she relinquished her American citizenship to become a citizen of Switzerland. Tina expressed her contentment with life in Switzerland, sharing in an interview, “It’s amazing. I’m very well recognized in Europe. I’m as big as Madonna in Europe. I’m as big as, in some places, the Rolling Stones.”
Just as Tina’s life found tranquility, she received devastating news about her health in 2016—a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Faced with limited options, she had to choose between regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. The latter offered the prospect of a near-normal life, but suitable kidney donors were scarce.
Fortunately, Erwin stepped forward, making the ultimate sacrifice for his beloved. Tina recounted his words, saying, “He said he didn’t want another woman or another life. Then he shocked me. He said he wanted to give me one of his kidneys.”
With Erwin’s selfless act, Tina’s health gradually improved. However, just as she began to regain her strength, tragedy struck once more. Tina Turner suffered the heart-wrenching loss of her firstborn son, Craig Turner. Although Tina had him before her marriage to Ike, Craig had been legally adopted by Ike Turner. The news of Craig’s death by a self-inflicted gunshot wound left Tina shattered. Throughout this ordeal, Erwin remained a source of unwavering support, serving as her pillar of strength.
Tina shared that the flame of love between her and Erwin still burned brightly. She even posted a picture of the couple embracing, accompanied by the caption “Erwin 
and I have been together for over 30 years, and he still writes me love letters—isn’t that romantic?”
In 2023, Tina Turner’s remarkable journey came to an end. According to a statement obtained by Rolling Stone, the Queen of Rock’n Roll “died peacefully” after a “long illness” at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, at the age of 83. The news was also confirmed on her official Facebook page.
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Tina Turner, a dear friend who enchanted millions around the globe with her music and indomitable passion for life. Her greatest work, her music, will forever be a testament to her legacy. Our deepest condolences go out to her family. Tina, you will be profoundly missed.
The enduring love story of Tina Turner and Erwin Bach serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that true love can overcome all obstacles. Through thick and thin, they stood steadfastly by each other’s side. Let us share their beautiful and authentic love story with others, offering them hope that true love will find them, regardless of where they may be on their journey through life.
