Tributes pour in as ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ singer Bonnie Tyler dies

Bonnie Tyler the Welsh singer behind global hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero has died aged 75.

In a statement shared on her official social media accounts Tyler’s family and team confirmed that the singer died on Wednesday evening in a hospital in Portugal following the illness she had been receiving treatment for.

“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,” the statement read.

Tyler had been hospitalised in Faro, Portugal in May for emergency intestinal surgery and was placed in an induced coma as part of her recovery. Although she later emerged from the coma her family had said she remained seriously unwell and in intensive care.

News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the worlds of music, film and politics with many remembering her as a singular talent whose unmistakable voice defined an era.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Tyler as “one of Britain’s greatest recording artists” and an “iconic figure” saying her music would continue to touch lives for generations to come.

Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones said she was heartbroken by the loss of her friend calling Tyler an “extraordinary woman with vocals to match” while singer Cliff Richard wrote that he was mourning “another wonderful friend gone too soon.”

Bryan Adams also paid tribute saying he would “always be grateful” for Tyler’s version of Straight From The Heart, adding: “Thanks Bonnie. RIP.”

The daughter of a Welsh coal miner she grew up in a council house before transforming into an international star with her signature raspy vocals and dramatic power ballads.

Often dubbed “the female Rod Stewart” because of her distinctive gritty voice Tyler found global success in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Her biggest breakthrough came after teaming up with producer Jim Steinman who wrote two of her most enduring hits: Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero.

Tyler once said she never grew tired of performing the track: “I never get tired of singing it. I love it because everyone can’t wait to sing it.”