Bonnie Tyler Dies at 75 After Illness in Portugal
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for hits such as 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' 'Holding Out for a Hero,' and 'It's a Heartache,' has died at the age of 75. She passed away in hospital on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, according to a statement on her website.
The statement read: '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. We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.'
Health Struggles Prior to Death
In May 2026, Bonnie was placed into an induced coma after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. A spokesperson later said she had come out of the coma but remained very unwell in intensive care. At the time, they said her condition was improving and doctors were 'confident' she would recover, although progress was 'slow.'
Final Television Appearance on Lorraine
Bonnie made her final television appearance on ITV's Lorraine in February 2026. During the interview, she spoke to host Lorraine Kelly about her upcoming tour and her enduring love for performing.
Lorraine said: 'What I love about you, as well, there's new music coming out, and that will be woven in, but you always, always do the big hits that everybody wants to hear.' Bonnie replied: 'Yeah, and I love singing them. People say to me, "Don't you get fed up?" No!'
She added: 'I often said, "Next year I'm going to slow down," but you know, I keep being able to do shows in great places and I love what I do. The [band] are great to be on the road with, we have a good time. On stage, as well, we have a lot of fun... I've had a wonderful journey.'
Reflecting on 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'
Bonnie shared a candid moment about her biggest hit: 'Well, the first time I had heard it, I had shivers up my spine, you know. I couldn't believe that [Jim Steinman] was giving me this song to sing. It was always my dream.'
She continued: 'I wanted desperately to work with him. At the time, my record company said to me, "Oh Bonnie, he's never gonna do it," and [I said], "The least you could do is ask him, you know. You're asking me who I want to work with, and I'm telling you." And they said, "Don't hold your breath." And anyway, he did and I have two albums with him.'
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of her death, tributes flooded in. Wales Secretary Jo Stevens wrote on X: 'So sad to hear of the death of Bonnie Tyler. A Welsh music icon, Grammy and Brit award winner and the sound of my teenage years.'
