The Story Behind Tina Turner's 4 Sons, Including The Tragedies Of Her Two Late Children

Jun 01, 2023

Tina Turner is one of our time's most recognized and celebrated music artists, and we are sure that her five-decades-long, highly successful career will be remembered for years to come as well. With a long, impressive list of iconic hits and international successes, the singer had undeniably left her mark with her 5-decades-long career. She didn't always have it easy, however, having experienced many hardships and hurdles along the way.  

Tina suffered extreme domestic abuse from her late ex-husband, Ike Turner Sr., before leaving her in 1976. In that same year, the trailblazing music icon filed for divorce due to irreconcilable differences. The two had endured a very tumultuous relationship, with Tina going as far as adopting Ike Sr.'s children from his previous marriage. 

Even though Ike and Tina didn't work out, Tina still proved that she had what it takes to be a long-time star. She had an outstanding comeback during the 1980s with yet even more hits and chart-topping songs. 

However, at 83, Tina passed away on May 24, 2023. She peacefully died in her home in Switzerland, according to a post on her official Instagram account.

"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," the statement read. "Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."

As people looked back on Tina's impact on the world, the internet also became curious as to who her direct legacies are, her four children. Keep on reading to know more about Tina's tumultuous married life and four sons.  

Born in 1958, Craig was the eldest child of Tina. Unbeknownst to many, Craig wasn't a child he had with Ike Sr.; he was a child of saxophonist of the Kings of Rhythm band Raymond Hill.

Little is known about Craig, but it was revealed in 2005 by Tina herself that he was "a very emotional kid" who struggled during his childhood as he witnessed the abuse her mother suffered at the hands of his adoptive father. 

"One day when Ike was fighting me, Craig knocked on the door and said, 'Mother, are you all right?' I thought, 'Oh, please, don't beat me at home.' I didn't want my children to hear," Tina recalled in her interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

Later on in life, Craig became a real estate agent. However, he committed suicide in 2018 at 59 years old. Speaking again to Winfrey about her son's death, Tina had this to say: 

"First of all, I didn't believe it, because me and Craig's last talks were, 'Mother, I'm so happy, I'm really happy now.'" 

Ronnie Turner

Ronnie, the only biological son that Tina and Ike Sr. had, was born in 1960, two years after Craig Raymond was born. He was one of two children of Tina, who followed their parents' path to music and entertainment. He became a bass player and was part of the band Manufactured Funk. 

Like Craig Raymond, Ronnie had particularly flown under the radar. It wasn't until 2022 that he took over the headlines again when he reportedly passed away at 62 due to complications of metastatic colon carcinoma, as per the Corner's report. 

In an Instagram post, Tina remembered her dear son: "Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow, I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son." 

It was widely known that Tina adopted two of Ike Sr.'s children from his earlier partners. 

She adopted Ike Jr. and Michael Turner — Ike Sr.'s sons to Lorraine Taylor — and treated them like her own sons. 

Born in 1958, Ike Jr. was adopted by Tina at a young age. Unbeknownst to many, Tina had a huge influence on Ike Jr.'s upbringing, especially on how he became a musician. It was Tina who had a hand in helping him select his musical instruments of choice. 

Perhaps the most beneficial thing that Ike Jr. inherited from Ike Sr. was the gift of musicianship. In 2007, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 49th Grammy Awards for "Risin' With The Blues." 

Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2018, Ike Jr. revealed that ever since 2000, he had not spoken to her mother until before she passed away in 2023. 

"Tina raised me from the age of two. She's the only mother I've ever known. But I haven't talked to my mother since God knows when – probably around 2000. I don't think any of my brothers have talked to her in a long time either," he confessed. "My mother is living her life – she has a new husband and she's in Europe. She doesn't want to have anything to do with the past." 

Michael Turner

As for Michael, the youngest of two adoptive children of Tina, he also suffered from the trauma of domestic abuse in his childhood. 

With Ike Jr. and Michael left, the former told the outlet that although their mother has not been in contact with them, she had sent his brother financial support for his medical needs as he suffered from several strokes and seizures later in life. 

Are you a fan of the great Tina Turner? What can you say about the way she raised her children? Do you think she was a great mother despite the circumstances thrown at her? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Tina Turner fans!

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit Befrienders Worldwide - Global Suicide Prevention to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals.