Tina Turner Married at 73 to Erwin Bach: Couple Plans Buddhist Ceremony
After more than two decades together, Tina Turner has married her long time partner Erwin Bach.
Tina Turner, 73, wed Erwin Bach, 57, in Switzerland sometime last week, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The pair has been dating for more than 27 years. Turner married the German-born record producer at a registry office in the Kuesnacht suburb of Zurich where they live, a municipal official told Reuters.
Following a stormy marriage to Ike Turner during which she was physically abused and her ultimate divorce in 1978, Turner appeared apprehensive about marrying Bach. Turner rose to prominence as a singer alongside Ike Turner during the 1960s and 70s. Their marriage was featured in the film "What's Love Got to Do With It." Ike died of a cocaine overdose in 2007.
It is unclear why Turner had a change of heart. In the past, both her and Bach had spoken out against marriage, suggesting they preferred to keep their relationship the way it was.
"We are married – we just haven't walked down the aisle, and until there's a need to, we probably won't," Turner told People magazine in a 2000 interview.
"We don't need a marriage to be together," Bach added. "Some people need that security thing, but I think if you're internally happy with your partner, you don't need symbols."
Turner has been retired from the entertainment industry for several years. She performed her last tour in 2009. She has been living in Switzerland with Bach nearly 20 years. Earlier this year, prior to the wedding, she obtained Swiss citizenship.
The couple will have a Buddhist ceremony this weekend to celebrate with friends, according to the Daily Mail. Over 120 guests have been invited the report noted, including David Bowie, Oprah Winfrey and Sade. Turner allegedly sent out notice to neighbors in advance to apologize for any noise.