Singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns
Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie Tyler has passed away aged 75.
The performer from Skewen, south Wales, died after being taken seriously ill in Portugal.
Tyler, whose real name is Gaynor Hopkins, began suffering severe abdominal and back pain in April and was rushed to hospital in Faro, where she has owned a home since 1988.
Following the operation, she suffered complications, including a serious infection.
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On May 6, it was announced that the singer had been placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
Early attempts to wake her reportedly resulted in cardiac arrest, but on June 15 her representatives confirmed she had regained consciousness.
"Bonnie is no longer in a coma, but remains seriously ill," a spokesperson told The Sun at the time.
Announcing the news of her death, a message on the singer's website reads: "Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for."
In a statement released on Thursday (9 July), her family added: "We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."
Tyler was due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.
The singer achieved international fame in the 1980s with the release of her hit single 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart', which shot to the top of the charts in the UK and US.
Recognisable for her husky voice, Tyler has released many other hit songs over the years including 'Holding Out For A Hero', 'It’s A Heartache' and 'If You Were A Woman (And I Was A Man)'.
She was also made an MBE in 2023 for services to music.
Tyler is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan.
Tributes have since poured in for Tyler all across social media, with one X user writing: "Rest in peace, legend. Your voice is eternal."
"She did so much for Welsh music, RIP," penned a second.
A third chimed in: "Rest in peace to a true music legend. Her voice was one of a kind."
"Her songs will always be remembered many years later, and her memories will forever be remembered," gushed another.
And a final fan echoed: "An absolute legend has left us."