Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer whose husky voice defined 1980s power ballads such as 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', has died at the age of 75. A message on her official Facebook page stated: '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.'
In May, Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery at a hospital near Faro, Portugal, where she resided. She was subsequently placed in an induced coma to aid her recovery. After being brought out of the coma, a representative described her as 'very unwell and in intensive care.'
Iconic hits and tributes
Tyler's 1983 single 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' reached No. 1 in both the US and UK, and is widely regarded as a definitive power ballad. Her other major hits include 'Holding Out for a Hero' from the 'Footloose' soundtrack, which peaked at No. 2 in the UK in 1984, and the 1977 breakout 'It’s a Heartache.'
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute, with his official spokesperson saying: 'The prime minister is saddened to hear about the death of Bonnie Tyler, one of Britain’s greatest recording artists, an iconic figure. She leaves behind a catalogue of music, from Total Eclipse of the Heart to Holding Out for a Hero that continues to touch lives, flood dance floors, and fill karaoke booths. The prime minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.'
Early life and career beginnings
Born Gaynor Hopkins in the village of Skewen near Swansea, Tyler grew up in a council house with five older siblings. 'I class myself as a working-class girl and I’ve never stopped working,' she told the Guardian in 2013. 'I do an awful lot [of performances] because I feel other people would love to be offered what I’m offered.'
Her career began modestly, singing cover versions in local clubs while working in a grocery shop. A talent scout heard her performing Freda Payne's 'Band of Gold' and she recorded a demo. After two years, RCA signed her and she adopted the stage name Bonnie Tyler.
Rise to fame and vocal transformation
Her first single flopped, but the second, 'Lost in France', reached the UK Top 10. Following surgery on vocal cord nodules, her voice became huskier, which she described as having 'more of an edge.' This new tone perfectly suited the dejected 'It’s a Heartache,' which became her first US success, peaking at No. 3 there and No. 4 in the UK.
Tyler demonstrated versatility, moving from country-tinged ballads to disco-pop like 1979's '(The World is Full of) Married Men.' However, she sought to branch into rock and collaborated with Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf's chief songwriter. Steinman gave her 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' a seven-minute epic later shortened to a radio-friendly four minutes. The song became a transatlantic No. 1 and topped charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and many other countries.
Continued success and Eurovision
The accompanying album 'Faster Than the Speed of Night' topped the UK album chart. Tyler's 1984 collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, 'Here She Comes,' earned her a third Grammy nomination. She remained a major force in western Europe, with 1991's 'Bitterblue' topping charts in several countries. A 2003 bilingual re-recording of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' with French star Kareen Antonn spent 10 weeks at No. 1 in France.
In 2013, Tyler represented the UK at Eurovision with 'Believe in Me,' finishing 19th out of 26 countries. She said: 'I’m sure a lot of people will be disappointed on my behalf but I have really enjoyed my Eurovision experience. I did the best that I could do with a great song. I don’t feel down and I’m ready to party.'
Later years and personal life
Her 2013 album 'Rocks and Honey' was a moderate success, and its follow-up 'Between the Earth and the Stars' returned her to the UK Top 40 album chart for the first time since 1986. Her final studio album was 2021's 'The Best Is Yet to Come.' In 2025, she revisited 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' with David Guetta on the single 'Together.'
Tyler was married to property developer Robert Sullivan from 1973 until her death. Sullivan represented Great Britain in judo at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The couple had no children; Tyler suffered a miscarriage at age 39. She said: 'We just thought it wasn’t meant to be. I have a large family anyway. I have five godchildren, 16 nieces and nephews, and 12 great nieces and nephews, so there is no shortage of children in my life.'
