Tina Turner Becomes a Swiss Citizen, Gives Up U.S. Citizenship
Tina Turner is leaving the good old U.S.A. to become a proud citizen of Switzerland.
The “Proud Mary” singer is packing her bags for good after being extended citizenship from the Swiss government.
73-year-old Turner has lived in Kuesnacht on Lake Zurich with her partner German record exec, Erwin Bach since the mid-1990s.
The Zuerichsee-Zeitung newspaper said on its website Friday, January 25th, that the local council announced the decision to grant Turner citizenship in an official notice. However, the decision is currently still awaiting approval from state and federal authorities.
Turner spoke of her decision to Germany’s Blick newspaper.
“I’m very happy in Switzerland and I feel at home here. I cannot imagine a better place to live.”
Turner’s rep further confirmed the news to the Zuerichsee-Zeitung paper saying, “Tina Turner will therefore also give back her US citizenship.”
Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee – the largest town in Haywood County. Turner rose to fame as duo with her ex-husband, Ike Turner. The couple garnered many hits over the years including “Proud Mary”, “Nutbush City Limits” and “A Fool In Love.” The pair split in 1976 and divorced in 1978. Tina embarked on a solo career released her successful album “Private Dancer” in 1984.
Mayor Jo Matherne of Brownsville, Tenn. said she was surprised by Turner’s choice to become a Swiss citizen. “Tina Turner – as she has gotten fame – has never forgotten her roots. We’ve been in recent contact with some of her people talking about some projects we have in Brownsville.”
The Mayor told Fox411 she was unsure of how residents of Brownsville would respond to the news.
"I think anytime a person, whether they are world-renowned or the most meek and mild, makes the decision to change their citizenship we need to step back and think what caused the decision.”
