Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler passed away at the age of 75 in a hospital in Portugal, as confirmed by a statement on her social media platforms. The Grammy-nominated artist underwent emergency intestinal surgery in Faro, Portugal, in early May and was subsequently put into an induced coma for several weeks. Her family announced her unexpected death on Wednesday night.
Tyler, known for her distinctive raspy voice, gained fame with her 1983 power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which topped charts in Canada, the U.K., and the Billboard Hot 100. She received a Grammy nomination for both the song and the album it was featured on, “Faster Than the Speed of Night,” in 1984. Prior to this, she achieved her first No. 1 hit in Canada in 1978 with “It’s A Heartache.”
The Welsh First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, expressed condolences, highlighting Tyler’s iconic status and the joy her music brought to many. Throughout her career, Tyler continued to perform, with her scheduled concerts being canceled following her surgery in May.
Various celebrities, including Bryan Adams, Howard Jones, Cliff Richard, and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is married to Tyler’s cousin, Robert Sullivan, paid tribute to the late singer on social media. Zeta-Jones described Tyler as an exceptional talent with a unique voice and a great sense of humor.
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” enjoyed enduring popularity, spending four weeks at No. 1 and accumulating over one billion views on Spotify. The song was covered by several artists, featured in movies, and even performed during real eclipse events. Tyler collaborated with producer Jim Steinman on the track, who also worked with her on the hit “Holding Out For a Hero.”
Born as Gaynor Hopkins in Wales, Tyler’s musical journey began with a passion for singing and a love for artists like Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. Despite facing vocal challenges early in her career, Tyler’s distinctive voice became her trademark. Through perseverance and talent, she rose to fame with hits like “Lost in France” and “It’s A Heartache.”
Tyler’s musical legacy continued over the years, earning her accolades and recognition for her contributions to the industry. Her diverse collaborations and memorable performances endeared her to fans worldwide, solidifying her status as a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.