In a 1993 biopic about Turner, Bassett, who garnered an Oscar nomination, said, “I shall hold these words close to my heart.” According to Angela Bassett, she has had a little piece of Tina Turner in her spirit ever since 1993.
According to her publicist, Turner, a well-known musician who initially rose to recognition in the 1960s, died on May 24 at the age of 83 in her home in Switzerland.
Bassett played Turner in the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which earned her a nomination for an Academy Award.
Bassett remarked in a statement provided to NBC News by her representative that “it’s impossible to say goodbye to someone as impactful as Turner.”
She questioned, “How do we say goodbye to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it to help change the world?”
Tina Turner “showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like 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.”
She also revealed Turner’s final words to her.
“You never imitated me, were her parting words spoken for me. Instead, you dug deep within yourself until you discovered your inner Tina and displayed her to the world. I will keep these words close to my heart for the rest of my days, she reflected.
After TIME named Bassett one of the 100 most influential persons of the year in April, Turner penned an essay for the publication in Bassett’s honor. Turner admitted in that article that she first had her reservations about the Bassett-starring biography because she believed no one could sing and dance as well as she could.
Turner reflects on his original thoughts of Bassett, which were, “She’s perfect.” You’ve never attempted to imitate me. Instead, you searched inside of yourself until Tina was there, and then you shared her with everyone.
In her statement, Bassett urged people to connect with their “inner Tina.”
Therefore, she gave us more than we could have ever hoped for, adding that even though we mourn the loss of her legendary voice and presence today. She dedicated her entire self to us.
Additionally, Tina Turner is a gift that is undeniable “the best.” Queen, let the angels lead thee to thy slumber.
