While the world mourns the death of this truly exceptional American icon, we shouldn't forget the struggles she went through to reach — and maintain — stardom. Turner is a prime example of what celebrities often face behind the scenes; she was taken advantage of and pushed to perform, whether she was physically up to the task or not. Her life was a tragedy, and that fact shouldn't be brushed aside.
Although her struggles shouldn't be dismissed, they also shouldn't be allowed to overshadow her incredible talent. Tina Turner should be remembered as an icon on and off the stage, selling hundreds of millions of albums, starring in famous movies, and inspiring women through her feminism. It's time the public finally closes the chapter on her tragic past and commemorates her inspiring attributes.