Welsh singing superstar Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75 following a brief health struggle which saw her put in an induced coma after surgery. A statement on the singer's 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. We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy," the statement read.
Health Decline and Hospitalisation
On Wednesday, April 6, the star's team shared news of her hospitalisation on her official website and social media pages. On May 8, the star, originally from Skewen, was placed into an induced coma to assist her recovery after undergoing urgent intestinal surgery. She was initially reported to be recovering at a hospital near her home in Faro, Portugal, before reports emerged that she had to be "resuscitated after going into cardiac arrest" when doctors attempted to bring her round from the coma. The life-saving procedure followed a burst appendix, with medical staff subsequently working to manage the "serious infection" she was fighting.
A spokesman for the Total Eclipse of the Heart singer said at the time: "We know that you all wish her well and ask for privacy at this difficult time, please."
Career Highlights
The star, born Gaynor Sullivan before adopting her stage name, became known for her distinctive husky voice. She first came to prominence in 1977 with the release of the album The World Starts Tonight, which contained the hit singles "Lost in France" and "More Than a Lover." That same year, she broke through in America with the single "It's a Heartache," which reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
She enjoyed her greatest success in the 1980s when she adopted a heavier rock sound and collaborated with songwriter and producer Jim Steinman, best known for his work with Meat Loaf. He wrote her biggest hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart" along with her other major hit of that decade, "Holding Out for a Hero."
Later Career and Accolades
In 2018, she was the UK's representative in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden. She performed the song "Believe in Me" and finished in 19th place. She was still recording and releasing records in recent years. What was to be her final album, The Best Is Yet to Come, was released in 2021. Her 2026 European tour had been scheduled to begin in Malta on May 22.
Among her many accolades, she was nominated for three Grammy Awards and three Brit Awards (including twice for British Female Solo Artist) during her career. In 2022, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to music.
Personal Life
She was married to her husband, property developer Robert Sullivan, from July 1973 until her death.
