...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the iconic singer, Tina Turner, at the ripe age of 83.
She fought a prolonged and unspecified illness with bravery until her demise.
The legendary vocalist drew her last breath in the peaceful surroundings of her home in Kusnacht, near Zurich, Switzerland.
Turner’s representatives shared the mournful news, stating that with her departure, the world had lost a music legend and an inspirational figure.
We honor her legacy, both as a global music icon and a model of resilience and strength.
Tina Turner’s Family: A Brief Overview
For those interested in the personal life of this esteemed musician, we delve into Tina Turner’s family history.
Did she have children?
Was she married before her death?
Here’s what you need to know about Tina Turner’s family life.
Children of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
The revered “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tina Turner was the mother to two biological sons.
Her firstborn, Raymond Craig, was the result of her relationship with Kings of Rhythm saxophonist Raymond Hill.
Ronnie, her second son with Ike Turner, followed in his parents’ footsteps to become a musician, playing bass guitar in a band called Manufactured Funk.
Tina’s family expanded further when she adopted two of Ike Turner’s sons, raising them as her own.
Let’s take a closer look at the lives of Tina’s four sons.
Craig Turner: The Firstborn
At a young age of 18, Tina welcomed her first son, Raymond Craig Turner, fathered by Raymond Hill, the saxophonist in blues band Kings of Rhythm.
Craig pursued higher education at Santa Monica College and eventually found his career path in real estate, working with Rodeo Realty in the San Fernando Valley.
However, in 2018, Craig’s life met a tragic end when he took his own life at the age of 59, in his home in Studio City, California.
Ronnie Turner: Following in His Parents’ Footsteps
Tina’s second son, Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Renelle, born in October 1960, shared a close bond with his mother and also bore the musical genius of his parents.
Ronnie’s talent was showcased in the 1993 film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ depicting Tina’s rise to fame.
Despite his talent and fame, Ronnie’s life was tarnished with a history of drug-related arrests, including cocaine possession in 1999.
His struggles with addiction persisted, eventually leading to strained relationships within his family.
In 2007, Ronnie married French musician Afida Turner, adding a new chapter to his life.
Sadly, Ronnie’s life was cut short due to a rapid battle with cancer, leading to his death in December 2022.
Ike Turner Jr: Grammy Winner and Estranged Son
One of Tina’s adopted sons, Ike Turner Jr, also left his mark in the music industry, earning a Grammy Award in 2006.
However, his relationship with Tina became strained over the years, with Ike accusing Tina of turning her back on him and his siblings after she relocated to Switzerland.
In a 2018 interview, Ike opened up about their troubled family dynamics, recalling how they were raised by housekeepers due to Tina and Ike Sr’s absence.
Michael Turner: The Youngest Son
Among the four sons, the least is known about Michael Turner, the youngest of the lot.
Currently residing in a convalescent home in Southern California, Michael seems to be doing well according to his brother Ike Jr.
However, it seems that Tina’s connection with Michael was limited to financial support.
Marital Life of Tina Turner
Tina first tied the knot with Ike Turner in 1962, embarking on a tumultuous 16-year marriage.
Subjected to Ike’s violent tendencies and drug addiction, Tina eventually fled this abusive relationship.
Finding her sanctuary in Switzerland in 1994, Tina met German music producer Erwin Bach, who is 16 years her junior.
Sparks flew between the two when they first met at Dusseldorf Airport in 1986, and they started a relationship.
The couple sealed their love in a 2013 civil ceremony held on the banks of Lake Zurich in Kusnacht, Switzerland.
