'Simply the best': Celebrities react to Tina Turner's death

WASHINGTON — Following the death of musical icon Tina Turner, tributes from celebrities and fans flooded social media. 

The iconic singer and stage performer was one of the world's most popular entertainers, known for a core of pop, rock and rhythm and blues favorites: "Proud Mary," "Nutbush City Limits," "River Deep, Mountain High," and the hits she had in the '80s, among them "What's Love Got to Do with It," "We Don't Need Another Hero" and a cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."

Her trademarks included a growling contralto that might smolder or explode, her bold smile and strong cheekbones, her palette of wigs and the muscular, quick-stepping legs she did not shy from showing off. She sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won 12 Grammys, was voted along with Ike into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 (and on her own in 2021 ) and was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2005, with Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey among those praising her. Her life became the basis for a film, a Broadway musical and an HBO documentary in 2021 that she called her public farewell.

Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones vocalist, who openly borrowed some of Turner's onstage moves during the Stones' 1981-82 tour, said he was "saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner."

Ciara

"Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all," the singer wrote on Twitter. 

Kelly Rowland

 "Thank you Queen, for giving us your all! We Love You!!" wrote the former Destiny's Child member on Instagram. 

Diana Ross

"Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones," Diana Ross shared on Twitter post with a picture of the two singers together. 

George Takei 

"A true legend has passed, " George Takei said on Twitter. "She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts. She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens. You were always simply The Best."

Gloria Gaynor 

"I am so, so very sad to hear of the passing of Tina Turner, the iconic legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white," said the "I Will Survive" singer on Twitter. "She did with great dignity & success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music  #TinaTurner"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.