Angela Bassett shares Tina Turner's final words to her in emotional tribute

Angela Bassett has shared iconic singer Tina Turner's final words to her in a touching tribute.

“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, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like.”

She added: “Her final words to me — for me — were ‘You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.’ I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honored to have known Tina Turner.

"I am humbled to have helped show her to the world. So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be 'simply the best.' Angels, sing thee to thy rest…Queen.”

Tina Turner began her career in 1957 with 'Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm'. After twenty years of marriage to Ike Turner, which saw routine physical abuse, she divorced him in 1978 and began a solo career. She went on to achieve enormous success as a solo artist. Billboard called her resurgence 'one of the greatest comebacks in music history'.

Tributes to Tina Turner have flooded in from musical royalty, including Mick Jagger and Elton John. Singer and actor, Bette Midler, said that Tina would be performing the 'lead vocals' in the choir of angels singing her to her rest.