Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75.
The Welsh pop star, whose real name is Gaynor Hopkins, died just months after she was treated in intensive care after being placed in an induced coma following an emergency intestinal surgery.
In a statement published on the singer’s official website, her family said: “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.”
It was announced in May that the singer was taken to hospital near her home in Faro for an emergency operation.
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 Welsh First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said Wales “lost a true icon” in a tribute shared on X.
He said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
“Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”
The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens also paid an emotional tribute to the singer on X, saying she was “so sad” to hear about the death of a “Welsh music icon” – who she described as “the sound of my teenage years”.
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.
Faster Than The Speed of Night, the album which featured the smash-hit track, was also a chart-topping success and landed the singer her only UK number one album.
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 represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, with the song Believe In Me, finishing in 19th place.
Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman commented on Tyler’s Instagram to pay tribute, writing: “I’m so very sorry to hear this. As a Welsh woman Bonnie and her music represented so much to us, it was about fighting and power and living life without apology.
“May you rest in Musical Glory Bonnie.”
Singer-songwriter Andrew Roachford added: “So so sad… what a lovely lovey soul she was.”
Singer Rick Parfitt Jr wrote: “So incredibly sad, but will remember our great chats, your wicked sense of humour, you kindness, incredible talent and all the fun gigs we did together! Rest in peace bright eyes.”
The star, who was born in Neath in South Wales, continued to make music and perform up until her death, having released her 18th studio album The Best Is Yet To Come in 2021.
Despite being a widely acclaimed and globally renowned star, Tyler never received a Grammy Award during her decades-long career but did receive three nominations.
She was made an MBE in 2023 for services to music.
Tyler’s official website appears to have crashed since the news of her death was announced.
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