What To Know
- Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer famous for hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at age 75.
- Tributes came from public figures including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Cliff Richard, and Carol Vorderman.
- Tyler was celebrated for her powerful vocals “zest for life,” and more.
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer best known for ’80s power ballads like “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” is dead at 75.
On Thursday, July 9, Tyler’s family announced that she had died unexpectedly at a hospital in Portugal, per Fox News. She was hospitalized in May for emergency intestinal surgery and later put into an induced coma. Although Tyler’s family said last month that she was no longer in a coma, she was still “very unwell” in an intensive care unit, the Associated Press reported.
In the wake of Tyler’s death, tributes poured in for the singer.
An official spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC, “The Prime Minister is indeed saddened to hear about the death of Bonnie Tyler, one of Britain’s greatest recording artists.”
The statement continued, “An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music, which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors, and fill karaoke booths. The Prime Minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones also posted a tribute to Tyler on Instagram, writing, “My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away.” She added, “Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life. We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. So sang and rocked it at my wedding. An extraordinary woman with vocals to match.”
Additionally, Zeta-Jones called Tyler a “one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.”
She concluded, “Thank you, Bonnie, for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight, beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family. God Bless.”
Sir Rod Stewart also posted a tribute to Tyler on Instagram, writing, “We shared similar styles of vocalising. She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I say ‘It’s a Heartache’ every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling Bonnie.”
Meanwhile, British singer and actor Sir Cliff Richard took to Facebook with a photo of himself and Tyler and a heartfelt tribute.
“Another wonderful friend gone too soon,” he wrote. “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me. It is shocking news to wake up to this morning, and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie.”
Welsh broadcaster and media personality Carol Vorderman also shared a tribute via Instagram after hearing the news of Tyler’s death.
“I’m so very sad to hear the news this morning that Bonnie Tyler has died,” she wrote alongside a video message. “As a Welsh woman, it’s 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. Bonnie represented that, she was this super cool rock chick with wild hair and without apology.”
In addition to “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” Tyler is best known for songs like “It’s a Heartache” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” She snagged three Grammy nominations through the years and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2023.