Tina Turner’s Children: A Look at Her Family

Tina Turner, the iconic rock ‘n’ roll singer, had a family that included four children. In this article, we will delve into the lives of her children, their backgrounds, and the impact of her tumultuous relationships on their lives.

Raymond Craig Turner

Raymond Craig Turner, born in August 1958, was Tina’s first son. He was later adopted by Tina’s first husband, Ike Turner Sr., and his name was changed to Craig Raymond Turner. Craig had a challenging upbringing, having to witness the abuse his mother endured in her marriage with Ike. Despite the difficulties, Craig went on to serve in the U.S. Navy and pursued a career as a real estate agent.

Tragically, Craig Turner took his own life in July 2018 at the age of 59. Tina expressed her initial disbelief over his death and shared their final conversation, where Craig expressed his desire to hear her voice and laughter. The reasons behind his decision remain unclear, but Tina speculates that unresolved issues from his childhood may have played a role.

Ike Turner Jr. and Michael Turner

Tina also adopted Ike Turner Sr.’s two sons, Ike Jr. and Michael, from his previous relationship with Lorraine Taylor. Ike Jr., pulled out of school at a young age to tour with his father, pursued a career in music and became a successful musician in his own right. He even won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album as a producer for his father’s album.

Michael Turner, like his brother Ike Jr., struggled following Tina’s divorce from Ike Sr. He longed for his parents to reconcile and was deeply affected by their separation. While details about Michael’s professional life remain relatively unknown, it is known that he battled addiction issues and experienced health problems, including strokes and seizures.

Ronnie Turner

Tina and Ike had their first and only child together, Ronnie Turner, born in October 1960. Ronnie pursued a career in music and played bass in a group called Manufactured Funk. He also made a cameo appearance in the biopic “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which depicted his parents’ lives.

However, Ronnie faced personal struggles, including legal issues and substance abuse. Tina mentioned that he was influenced by drugs and had two children by 2000. Sadly, Ronnie passed away on December 8, 2022, due to complications of colon cancer.

The Impact on Tina’s Children

Tina Turner’s relationships, particularly her marriage with Ike, had a profound impact on her children. They witnessed the brutality of their parents’ relationship and experienced the consequences of their tumultuous marriage. Each child was scarred in their own way, with Craig and Ronnie tragically losing their lives prematurely.

After her divorce from Ike, Tina became estranged from most of her children, except for Craig. However, she maintained a close relationship with Ike Jr., who followed in his parents’ musical footsteps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tina Turner’s family consisted of four children: Raymond Craig Turner, Ike Turner Jr., Michael Turner, and Ronnie Turner. Their lives were shaped by the challenges they faced growing up in the shadow of their parents’ tumultuous relationship. Despite the hardships, Tina’s children displayed individual talents and struggled with personal battles, leaving behind a complex and poignant legacy.

FAQs

How many children did Tina Turner have?

Tina Turner had four children: Raymond Craig Turner, Ike Turner Jr., Michael Turner, and Ronnie Turner.

What happened to Raymond Craig Turner?

Raymond Craig Turner, Tina’s first son, was adopted by her first husband, Ike Turner Sr., and changed his name to Craig Raymond Turner. Tragically, Craig passed away in July 2018 at the age of 59 due to suicide.

Did Tina Turner adopt any of her husband’s children?

Yes, Tina adopted Ike Turner Sr.’s two sons, Ike Jr. and Michael, from his previous relationship with Lorraine Taylor.

How many children did Tina have with Ike Turner Sr.?

Tina and Ike had one child together, a son named Ronnie Turner, who was born in October 1960.

How did Tina Turner’s marriage with Ike affect her children?

Tina Turner has spoken about the “brutality” she experienced in her marriage with Ike and how it impacted their children. The children witnessed the turbulent relationship and were scarred in different ways as a result.

What was the relationship like between Tina Turner and her children after her divorce from Ike?

Following her divorce from Ike, Tina became estranged from most of her children, except for Craig. The relationships with her other children were strained.

What were the circumstances of Ronnie Turner’s passing?

Ronnie Turner, Tina and Ike’s son, passed away on December 8, 2022, due to complications of colon cancer.

Did Tina Turner have a close relationship with any of her children?

Tina had a close relationship with her son Ike Jr., who is also a musician. They maintained a strong bond throughout the years.