Tina Turner, the legendary music icon, was also a mother to four sons: Craig Raymond Turner, Ike Turner Jr., Michael Turner, and Ronnie Turner.

Each of her children lived vastly different lives shaped by Tina’s tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner and her later years of peace. Tragically, two of her sons passed away before her, while the other two faced their own struggles and triumphs. Here’s a look at their stories.

**Craig Raymond Turner**
Born on August 29, 1958, Craig was Tina’s first son, fathered by Raymond Hill, a saxophonist in Ike Turner’s band. Hill left Tina before Craig’s birth, leaving her to raise him alone. When Tina married Ike Turner in 1962, Ike adopted Craig and gave him his last name. Growing up in the volatile environment of Ike and Tina’s marriage deeply affected Craig.

Tina described him as a gentle and emotional child who was profoundly impacted by witnessing the abuse she endured. Despite these traumatic experiences, Craig grew up to be protective of his mother and joined the US Navy, serving for several years before transitioning to a career as a real estate agent in Los Angeles.

Though Craig seemed to find stability in adulthood, he struggled with emotional wounds. In 2018, at age 59, Craig tragically died by suicide. Tina later revealed that loneliness had likely played a significant role in his death.

She scattered his ashes off the coast of California, calling it her “saddest moment as a mother.”

**Ike Turner Jr.**
Born in 1958, Ike Jr. was the son of Ike Turner and his former partner, Lorraine Taylor. Tina adopted him after marrying Ike and raised him as her own.

Ike Jr. inherited his father’s musical talent and became a multi-instrumentalist, learning to play the drums, piano, guitar, and bass. At just 13, Ike Jr. was pulled out of school to tour with Ike and Tina’s band. However, life under Ike’s control was harsh, and after Tina left Ike in 1976, Ike Jr. faced his father’s wrath for continuing to work with Tina.

Despite the family drama, Ike Jr. found success in music, winning a Grammy in 2006 for producing Ike Turner’s blues album *Risin’ with the Blues*.

However, his relationship with Tina grew distant over the years, and by 2018, he revealed he hadn’t spoken to her in nearly two decades. In 2023, Ike Jr. faced legal troubles when he was arrested for drug possession, highlighting ongoing struggles in his life.

**Michael Turner**

Michael, born in 1959, was Ike Jr.’s younger full brother, also adopted by Tina. Unlike his siblings, Michael stayed out of the spotlight. He struggled with the fallout of Ike and Tina’s divorce and reportedly dealt with addiction and health issues, including multiple strokes and seizures.

Michael now resides in a convalescent home, receiving medical care. Tina supported him financially, ensuring his needs were met despite their distant relationship.

**Ronnie Turner**
Born on October 27, 1960, Ronnie was the only biological child of Tina and Ike. Despite growing up with privilege, Ronnie struggled with drug use and self-destructive behavior in his youth. Eventually, he found stability, becoming a bass guitarist and marrying French singer Afida Turner in 2007.

Sadly, Ronnie passed away in 2022 at age 62 due to complications from colon cancer and cardiovascular disease. Tina mourned his loss deeply, calling him her “beloved son.”

Tina Turner’s journey as a mother was marked by profound love and heartbreak. Her strength and resilience in the face of tragedy remain an enduring part of her legacy.