Suzi Quatro has paid a heartfelt tribute to her close friend Bonnie Tyler during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, recalling the Welsh singer's 'absolutely wicked sense of humour' after her death at the age of 75.
The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in a hospital in Portugal, where she had been treated for an undisclosed illness. A statement on her website confirmed the news: '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.' The statement added: 'We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.'
Health Struggles and Final Days
Bonnie Tyler had recently undergone emergency intestinal surgery and was placed in an induced coma. In an update last month, her spokesperson confirmed she had come out of the coma but remained 'very unwell and in intensive care,' according to Wales Online. Her condition had been closely followed by fans and friends, including Suzi Quatro.
During the Good Morning Britain segment, Suzi discussed Bonnie's health struggles and the possibility of recovery. 'That was what they were saying, that she was going to pull through but I was always expecting not good news because when someone is induced into a coma, that's serious stuff,' she said.
Suzi Quatro's Fond Memories
Honouring her beloved friend, Suzi recalled their first encounter in the 1970s: 'I remember meeting up at the bar with her, we discovered we were both Geminis and that was it. The bond was made, we had a lot in common, a lovely girl with an absolutely wicked sense of humour that you didn't see coming.' She added, 'I always said, when she sings a song she takes it by the balls.'
Responding to Kate Garraway's praise of both Bonnie and Suzi as 'groundbreaking' artists, Suzi said: 'She had a voice that needed to be heard, end of story.' She continued: 'There are a lot of singers that do power ballads in a sweet way, and she did it in a ballsy way, this is what made her different. A lot of girl singers are great singers, but they don't touch me, Bonnie's voice touched me.'
Tributes and Legacy
Suzi also revealed her plans to honour Bonnie in her next performance: 'I'm not going to have a toast to her, I'm going to raise a fist for her, she would appreciate it.' The interview aired on Good Morning Britain, which broadcasts weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Bonnie Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins in 1951 in Skewen, Wales, rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like 'It's a Heartache' and 'Total Eclipse of the Heart.' Her distinctive husky voice and powerful ballads made her a global icon. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, celebrating her unique contribution to music.
