Bonnie Tyler, Welsh singer known for 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', dies at 75 in Portugal
The singer, whose 1983 power ballad 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' became a global hit, died unexpectedly on 8 July at a hospital in Faro, her family announced.
Family confirms death
'La famille et l'équipe de Bonnie ont le coeur brisé d'annoncer que Bonnie est décédée de manière inattendue hier soir dans un hôpital au Portugal des suites de la maladie pour laquelle elle était soignée.' That was the message posted on Bonnie Tyler's official Facebook page on 9 July, confirming the Welsh singer had passed away the previous evening. The statement, shared in English and French, said she died 'unexpectedly' from the illness she was being treated for. Her representatives requested privacy for the family to cope with the tragedy.
Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie passed away unexpectedly last night in a hospital in Portugal from the illness she was being treated for.
A defining voice of the 1980s
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, Bonnie Tyler rose to fame with her husky, powerful voice. Her 1983 single 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' topped charts worldwide, becoming one of the decade's signature ballads. Other major hits included 'Holding Out for a Hero' and 'It's a Heartache'. She continued to record and tour for decades, maintaining a devoted following. In recent years, she divided her time between the United Kingdom and the Algarve, in southern Portugal, where she owned a home.
Health struggles and hospitalisation
The singer had been hospitalised in Faro since early May, after being admitted for an emergency intestinal surgery. According to her family, she was placed in an induced coma following the operation and later suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. On 15 June, relatives said she was no longer in a coma but remained in intensive care, very weak. She never recovered.
- Admitted to Hospital de Faro
- Out of induced coma, remains in intensive care
- Passes away unexpectedly
Personal life and legacy
Tyler was married to Robert Sullivan for more than 50 years. The couple met when she was still a teenager and he became her manager. They had no children. In the statement, her family thanked fans for their support and asked for time to mourn. The death of one of the most recognisable voices of 1980s pop has prompted tributes from fellow musicians and fans around the world.
