Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh pop star known for her 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," is no longer in a coma but remains "very unwell" in intensive care at a hospital near her home in Faro, Portugal. The 75-year-old singer underwent emergency intestinal surgery in May and was placed in an induced coma to aid her recovery.
Slow Recovery Progress
A statement on her official website indicated that although her condition is improving and doctors are confident she will recover, the process is slow. All of her remaining shows scheduled for this summer have been cancelled, but there is hope that some autumn dates may proceed.
The update came after the singer's family expressed distress over "lurid and untrue rumours" circulating about her health. The statement read: "Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal. Although her condition is improving it is a slow process."
Doctors Remain Confident
"Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time. As such we are sorry to tell everyone that we will be cancelling, or postponing until next year where possible, all of our remaining shows this summer. This will affect every current show until the end of August. At present we are still hopeful that our shows in the autumn will go ahead."
The spokesperson apologised for the disappointment and hoped fans would understand during these difficult circumstances. They added: "We would like to thank everyone for the huge outpouring of love and support from all over the world that we have received for Bonnie and want to tell you that she is aware of, and very grateful for, your good wishes."
Upcoming Performances Affected
Tyler had been scheduled to perform at the Sunshine festival in Worcester in August, along with several European dates. She is also booked to appear at Cardiff's Utilita Arena on December 17.
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler gained international fame in the 1980s with "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which spent two weeks at number one in the UK and four weeks atop the US charts in 1983. Her distinctive husky voice made her songs instantly recognisable, with other hits including "Holding Out for a Hero," "It's a Heartache," and "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)."
Career Highlights
Originally from Neath in south Wales, Tyler was discovered by a talent scout in Swansea and released her first single in 1976. She represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, with the song "Believe in Me," finishing in 19th place. In 2023, she was awarded an MBE for services to music.
