Angela Bassett paid a beautiful tribute to the late Tina Turner who died Wednesday at the age of 83.
In an emotional Instagram post, Bassett - who was nominated for an Academy Award for portraying Turner in the 1993 biopic What's Love Got to Do with It - shared the late singer's last words to her.
The post accompanying a photo of the two together read:
"How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?"
"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."
What's Love Got to Do with It tells the story of the legendary singer, from her love of singing in the church choir to the pursuit of her passion. The film also follows Turner's love life, including the physical abuse she endured from her husband Ike before ultimately leaving him.
Bassett then revealed:
"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."
She finished her post:
"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 that will always be 'simply the best.'"
" Angels sing thee to thy rest…Queen."
Viewers of Bassett's post seconded the actor's sentiment and thanked her for such a lovely tribute.
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Beautifully said.
Rest well, Tina.
