Tina Turner—who passed away on May 24 at the age of 83—had a long-lasting impact on Oprah’s life. Oprah started as a fan (then became a “full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country,” she wrote in a tribute to Turner). But the two eventually developed a deep friendship—and their relationship was documented across decades of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Relive Turner’s iconic moments on the show below.

That time Oprah performed onstage with Turner

Consider this a perk of being Oprah! The Oprah Winfrey Show actually went on the road with Turner for her 1997 Wildest Dreams tour. But not only did Oprah get to see the rock icon in action—she also had the privilege of dancing and singing with Turner onstage.

“I was so nervous. At first I wasn’t sure I could do it,” Oprah said when recounting the experience on The Oprah Winfrey Show. But Turner helped prepare Oprah by giving her some dancing tips. “She is so cool,” Oprah said after, joking about how Turner can simply tie a jacket around her waist and make it look like a fashion statement.

Oprah—even if she was nervous—didn’t seem it onstage. When she danced next to Turner, the energy was magnetic. Watch the entire clip below.

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When Turner spoke about freedom after splitting from Ike Turner

In 1997, Turner appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and had a candid conversation with Oprah about her time with Ike Turner—who was both her musical partner and husband, who became increasingly abusive and controlling through the duration of their partnership. “I knew that wasn’t my life—that wasn’t what I wanted,” Turner said to Oprah on the show. “After seven years of it, I decided that I couldn’t help the situation—it was irreparable—and that I must get on with my life and my children.” Turner explained to Oprah that it wasn’t a sudden decision: “I was thinking the whole time...I planned. And I often told him that I wouldn’t be with him forever.”

When Oprah asked Turner what it was like to feel free, she shared a relatable sentiment. “I had cut my hair, I had gone shopping—even though I had no money,” Turner said. “It was a freedom that—unless you’ve ever been in some form of bondage—it’s very hard to explain it. To have the freedom to get in your car and just ride sometimes, because I never had that chance or that opportunity.”

Turner ended by explaining how pivotal that was. “I learned about another life, and I liked it. I was still very much in control, and I still didn’t let go of what I wanted,” she said. “I wanted to stand there on my own.”

And clearly, leaning into that other life did Turner well. In another conversation during that visit, Oprah marveled at how Turner just keeps getting better over time. “It’s like when you see the circus for the first time and you want to run away,” Oprah said. “I want to run away with Tina!”

That time Turner surprised Oprah for her 50th birthday

Talk about a truly iconic moment from The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2004, Turner shocked Oprah by turning up for her big 5-0 celebration. It was just five years before Turner officially retired from performing, and she brought the house down with a powerful rendition of “The Best”—and Oprah’s scream when she realizes what’s happening truly speaks for itself. Watch the video below (and stay till the end to witness Oprah’s dance moves).

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When Turner told Oprah that she doesn’t fear aging

In a clip from 2008, Turner proved her status as a role model. When Oprah asked Turner how she feels about getting older, she said, “I open it with welcome arms,” continuing, “My senior life is so much better than when I was young. The wisdom, the way I think, my attitude towards things. There is a change when you’re still healthy, and you still look good—your whole outlook changes on everything and you’re really happy. You don’t mind being 68—the number doesn’t mean a thing.”

Then, in 2013—at age 73—Turner shared a similar thought with Oprah. “Even when it’s time to leave and go to another planet, [I’m] excited about that cause I’m curious,” Turner said. “I’m not excited about ‘to die,’ but I don’t regret it when it’s time for me. I’ve done what I came here to do. Now, it’s pleasure.” Watch the full clip below.

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Cassie Hurwitz
Assistant Editor

Cassie Hurwitz (she/her) is an assistant editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers everything from culture to entertainment to lifestyle. She can typically be found in the middle of multiple books and TV shows all at once. Previously, Cassie worked at Parents, Rachael Ray In Season, and Reveal. Her love language is pizza (New York slices, Chicago deep dish, and otherwise).