Bonnie Tyler, the beloved "Welsh singer" whose powerful, raspy voice defined hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," "Holding Out for a Hero," and "It's a Heartache," has passed away at the age of 75. A statement released on her official website confirmed that Tyler died unexpectedly in a Portuguese hospital while receiving treatment for an ongoing illness. Her family and team expressed their profound sadness and requested privacy during this difficult time.
In May 2026, Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal and was subsequently placed in an induced coma. Last month, her spokesperson indicated that while she had emerged from the coma, her condition remained critical, and she continued to receive intensive care in the ICU.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Neath, Wales, Bonnie Tyler was discovered in a Swansea club early in her career. She launched her debut single, "Lost in France," in 1977. Later that same year, "It's a Heartache" propelled her to international stardom, climbing to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Her most iconic track, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," released in 1983, topped charts in both the UK and the U.S., making her the first Welsh singer to achieve a No. 1 single in America. The dramatic rock ballad, penned by Jim Steinman, remains one of the most recognizable pop anthems of the 1980s.
Steinman also wrote another of Tyler's enduring classics, "Holding Out for a Hero." The song was originally featured on the soundtrack for the film "Footloose" and later found a new generation of fans through its inclusion in "Shrek 2."
via： BBC