In 2017, Tina Turner's husband made a life-changing decision to help her live longer — and she did

The world mourned the loss of legendary singer Tina Turner two years ago when she passed away in May 2023 after a prolonged battle with illness, per CBS News. Despite having had hypertension, which affected her kidneys and required treatment, Turner got a few more years to live, thanks to a profound decision made by her husband, Erwin Bach, in 2017. Turner received a newfound perspective on love and life after Bach’s wholesome gesture, and on her death anniversary, it is only fitting to revisit what the duo’s love was during their trying time, which they overcame with much strength. 

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, who passed away at the age of 83, was immensely grateful to Bach, who supported her throughout her illness and even stepped in to help beautifully. Turner was diagnosed with hypertension in 1978. However, she didn’t take it as seriously until things got worse in 2009. The “Simply The Best” singer suffered a stroke due to her hypertension, and it was only then that she learned that 35% of her kidneys had become non-functional. With her condition worsening, she needed treatment. It meant either a lifetime of dialysis or a transplant, per the Mayo Clinic.

In an essay penned by the singer and published by Show Your Kidneys Love, it was revealed that the dialysis was taking a toll on her. “It was depressing to be connected to a machine for hours,” she mentioned. In 2016, the Grammy-winning artist was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, and the battle got harder to fight, per JOE. Bach then decided to do something to help Turner. In 2017, he offered one of his kidneys for the transplant. In her 2018 autobiography titled “Tina Turner: My Love Story,” the singer mentioned that she was taken aback by the offer, per AP News. She noted that he “shocked me by saying that he wanted to give me one of his kidneys.”

In an interview with CBS Mornings, Turner recalled, “I said, ‘Yes, but my darling, you’re young and I’m already old. In Buddhism, you’re taught that, you know, you live and you die, and it’s something that’s accepted and so then after Erwin said that, I said, ‘Okay darling, if you’re willing to give up a kidney, then fine.’” The singer added that she was “overwhelmed by the enormity of his offer.” In her 2020 book, “Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good,” Turner expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing gift her husband gave to her. She said his donation was “the gift of life” to her. 

His decision added so many years of life, experience, love and goodness to the world and to Turner, too. In several posts on social media, the singer shared how she lived to the fullest, as best as she could. In a post on Instagram, the singer observed “World Kidney Day” and expressed her opinions. “Show your kidneys love! They deserve it. My kidneys are victims of my not realizing that my high blood pressure should have been treated with conventional medicine. I have put myself in great danger by refusing to face the reality that I need daily, lifelong therapy with medication,” the caption read. She urged people to take their kidney functioning and health more seriously.

The legendary singer passed away after a long battle with her health conditions on May 24. Her team announced her passing in an Instagram post that read, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today, we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music.” Turner suffered complications even after the transplant. However, she got several years added to her life from the love and selflessness of her husband. For that, the late Turner herself was grateful and we know that the world too, will remain mesmerized by Bach’s generosity and Turner’s life for years to come.