Broadcaster Carol Vorderman has said pop star Bonnie Tyler was a “legend” in their home country Wales who will be “very sorely missed”.
Vorderman, 65, is among the famous faces and fans to have paid tribute to the Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer and “Welsh icon” after her death aged 75.
The TV personality shared a video to Instagram on Thursday in which she remembered “extraordinary” Tyler, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins.
Vorderman said: “I’m a Welsh woman and believe me, in Wales, Bonnie Tyler is regarded as a legend – particularly amongst women.
“She was extraordinary. I met her a number of times, she was very real. She was always laughing, was asking questions, always having a good time.
“It’s difficult to explain if you don’t live in Wales that Bonnie represented something to us, and she will be very, very sorely missed.”
Beneath the post, Vorderman wrote a lengthy message saying it is “difficult to describe how much of a legend she and her music became, particularly in my generation where we had to fight for almost everything in terms of women’s rights”.
She added: “She was this super cool rock chick with wild hair and without apology.”
Tyler’s long-time guitarist Matt Prior remembered her as a “kind and caring lady”, and said the opportunity to work with her “changed the course of my life”.
He wrote a lengthy message on Instagram recounting his experiences with Tyler, calling her “a force of nature with an incredible voice responsible for worldwide iconic songs”.
Referring to her distinct husky vocals, Prior said he had “never heard a voice like it” and said he “will never forget the first time we rehearsed Total Eclipse”.
He added: “She would underplay some of her achievements, she opened the Grammys, she met everybody from royalty, to rock stars, film stars and even the Pope, none of it changed her.
“Worldwide number one singles and number one albums.
“She gave me the opportunity to produce a major label album, to mix a live gig for TV, gave me space to play, and the messages to me from her are full of compliments and love hearts after gigs.”
Concluding the post, he thanked Tyler for the opportunities she gave him and said he will “miss playing those songs on those stages, but more than that I will miss you”.
Rocker Bryan Adams, known for hits such as (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, remembered “dear Bonnie Tyler” in a post on X.
He wrote: “She had such a great voice and I’ll always be grateful of her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie. RIP.”
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth also paid tribute on X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by her death and that Wales “lost a true icon whose music brought joy to so many”.
The Utilita Arena Cardiff, a venue which Tyler performed at multiple times in her decades-long career, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Bonnie Tyler.
“We have fond memories of seeing her perform at the Arena in 2009 and 2012. She will forever be a vital part of the Welsh music landscape.”
Tyler, who represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Believe In Me, has also been remembered by the BBC.
In a statement sent to the Press Association, the BBC Eurovision team said: “Bonnie was a music legend and we were truly honoured that such an iconic performer represented the UK.
“Behind the scenes she was humble, huge fun and very kind. She brought energy to the contest and was a joy to spend time with. We all have such fond memories.
“Our thoughts and best wishes go to Bonnie’s family.”
Tyler had been a supporter of the Wales Air Ambulance and the charity praised the singer for making a “lasting difference for patients across Wales”.
The charity said on Instagram: “It is with profound sadness that we have heard of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
“Her last visit took place earlier this year, and she brought joy every time she joined us.
“We are deeply grateful for the time and energy she shared with us – a global icon who was passionate about Wales and its people.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Bonnie’s family, friends and all who knew and loved her.”
Bonnie Tyler: Husky-voiced singer who soundtracked the 1980s
Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75
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