Tina Turner's Mother Zelma Priscilla Left Their Family When Tina Was Young

Tina Turner's mother, Zelma Priscilla, was a significant figure in the musician's life, primarily known for leaving her daughter at a young age. The musician detailed her complicated relationship with her mother in her 1986 autobiography, and fans got more insight in her 2021 documentary titled "Tina."

On May 24, 2023, news broke worldwide that legendary rockstar Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, had died. Her representative shared that she was in her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland when she took her last breath after a lengthy battle with an illness.

The singer had been no stranger to health struggles, which included PTSD, cancer, and kidney failure. But in addition to medical issues, her personal life was also challenging for the most part.

She had her first child at 18 with former Kings of Rhythm bandmate Raymond Hill before marrying guitarist Ike Turner in 1962. Ike had two children from a previous marriage, whom Tina later adopted. The former couple welcomed another son before ending their marriage in 1976. Tina found love again, as she married Erwin Bach in 2013 and was with him until her death.

Tina would become one of the most remarkable artists ever, being inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame twice and collecting over 10 Grammys throughout her career. Yet, even when her success spoke for itself, it wasn't enough for her mother, Zelma Priscilla.

Tina Turner's Mom Left Their Family When Tina Was Young

In 2021, HBO released "Tina," a documentary detailing Tina's career and life. The film featured many celebrities who appeared as themselves, including Angela Bassett, who portrayed Tina in 1993's "What's Love Got to Do with It." Diana Ross, Oprah Winfrey, and The Temptations were other celebrities that appeared in the documentary.

Tina grew up in a dysfunctional household where her father, Floyd Bullock, abused her mother. She was not a teenager when her mother left her and her sister with their dad. Floyd remarried afterward, sending Tina with her sibling to live with their grandmother in Brownsville, Tennessee.

Despite both her parents abandoning her, Tina maintained her focus at school. As a teenager, she worked as a Nurse's Assistant and would also look after children. Her mother assumed she would become a teacher or a nurse, but Tina knew that wasn't her path.

The "Proud Mary" songstress has always been forthcoming about her and Zelma's relationship dynamic. In a 1986 interview with Rolling Stone, the singer said her mother, who lived and worked as a cleaning lady in St. Louis, returned to Tennessee to bury Tina's grandmother.

After the funeral, Tina returned with Zelma to St. Louis; however, a tumultuous living situation followed. Tina admitted she had become rebellious, and the two constantly argued. In the documentary, the singer revealed that she felt Zelma "didn't like" her and "wasn't kind."

Zelma Remembered Some of Tina's Childhood Moments

Despite the complicated relationship between Zelma and Tina, there were a few lighthearted moments between them. Zelma, who has Cherokee and Navajo heritage, once recalled a memory of Tina when she was around four or five.

Tina had seen a movie with her older sister and cousin when she returned and reenacted the scenes she remembered. One of them involved falling flat on the ground and holding her breath. "I thought she was gonna die. I had to make her get up out the floor. (sic)," Zelma recalled. But Tina clarified that it was all part of her act.

Zelma Did Not Believe Her Daughter Could Achieve a Lot

Tina felt compelled to do beautiful things for Zelma regardless of the pain she caused. But even so, her mother was not satisfied. Zelma belittled her daughter's ability to achieve success, as Tina recalled, "Even after I became Tina, Ma was still a little bit like, 'Who did that? and 'Who did this?' And I said, 'I did that, Mom!'"

And Zelma would insist, "No, I don’t believe it. No, you’re my daughter; no you didn't!" It was heartbreaking for Tina. She observed that even though her mother wanted her success, there was still an unending air of disdain.