Tina Turner Relinquishes US Citizenship

Tina Turner is no longer a citizen of the United States. In October, she signed a Statement of Voluntary Relinquishment of US Citizenship at the US Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. Turner announced her intentions in January, but did not make it official until last month.

The talented performer moved to Switzerland in 1995 with longtime partner Erwin Bach. The couple eventually married and continued to reside abroad. Although she has been a resident of Switzerland for nearly 20 years, she maintained her US citizenship.

As reported by Forbes, Turner eventually applied for Swiss citizenship. The application was subject to approval by the canton of Zürich and Swiss federal authorities. Additionally, she was required to take a civics test and complete an interview with immigration officials.

Turner was granted Swiss citizenship earlier this year, which allowed her to give up her US citizenship. The soul legend said she no longer has any ties to the United Sates other than family.

She said he is “very happy in Switzerland.” According to the Huffington Post, she said it feels like home, and she “cannot imagine a better place to live.”

Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee. She spent many years living with relatives following her parents’ difficult divorce. At the age of 16, she decided to join her mother and sister in St. Louis, Missouri.

Anna and her sister frequented the iconic Club Manhattan, where she eventually met Ike Turner. Ike was performing with his band, The Kings of Rhythm, and the teen was mesmerized.

During one of the band’s performances, Anna decided to sing. As reported by the Tina Turner Fan Club, Ike immediately made her part of the band. Anna eventually changed her name to Tina Turner and became a worldwide sensation.

Turner officially retired from the stage in 2009. She will turn 74 on November 26.

[Image via Facebook]