21 June 2023 , 14:25
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Tina Turner's former personal assistant has spoken about the late singer's experience leaving her husband Ike Turner, following her own recollections of the marriage.
Late singer Tina - who is best known for songs like Proud Mary and The Best - died four weeks ago on May 24, aged 83. The news prompted tributes and recollections of her.
Her former personal assistant Eddy Hampton Armani, 65 - who previously spoke to the Mirror about his late friend - has recently spoken further about her life and career.
Eddy is said to have been pals with Tina for two decades and even lived with her for a year in the 1980s. More recently though, they hadn't been in touch for almost 30 years.
Eddy Hampton Armani (left) had been a personal assistant to Tina Turner (right) in her careerHe recently spoke to People magazine about Tina, including discussing her separation from fellow singer Ike, whom she was married to from 1926 until their divorce in 1978.
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Following the marriage, Tina spoke about having faced abuse from her first husband Ike - who passed away back in 2007 - whilst she had been in a relationship with him.
Tina eventually fled from Ike in 1976, with it recounted previously that she ran away from him following an instance of domestic violence whilst they were on tour together.
He has spoken about Tina recently following the news of her death last month (Getty Images)
This has included discussing the end of her marriage to Ike Turner (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)Tina has discussed the day that she escaped her husband in the past, including on the Jonathan Ross Show in 2017. She said that things had got "really bad" at that point.
She said: "It was just time to not take any more. It was constantly abusive, other things going on, there was no control, there was no freedom. [...] You just get fed up and you say 'life is not worth living if I'm gonna stay in this situation.' "
Discussing her leaving Ike, Eddy said: "The writing was on the wall. We all knew she was going to leave him."
He told the outlet that she experienced growth upon the launch of her solo career, with him saying that she felt "a different kind of freedom," such as with the release of her debut solo album.
Tina and Ike were together for a number of years before she left the marriage (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)Eddy said that when Tina was out of Ike's control, she began to realise that "there is a life out there". He added: "Ike really did control her and she feared him."
The outlet reports that Tina remained fearful for years and noted alleged incidents at her home, such a shotgun blowing out the windows, before Eddy shared his recollection.
Eddy commented that they were "always on high alert" and "terrified" even after she left Ike. He further commented whilst speaking to the outlet: "This man haunted us".
If you are in the UK have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free on 0808 2000 247. If you are in the US call (800) 799-7233 or Text START to 88788.
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