Stars mourn Bonnie Tyler after the Welsh singer died unexpectedly in Portugal
Catherine Zeta-Jones has led Bonnie Tyler tributes after the Welsh singer, known for Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, died aged 75.
Tyler’s family announced that the singer died unexpectedly on Wednesday night in a hospital in Portugal. In a statement released on her official website, they said she died as a result of the illness she was being treated for and asked for privacy as they dealt with the tragedy.
The news prompted an outpouring of grief across music, film and public life. Zeta-Jones, who is related to Tyler through the singer’s husband, Robert Sullivan, said her heart was broken after hearing that “our dearest Bonnie Tyler” had died.
The Oscar-winning actress shared a photograph of herself with Tyler and remembered her not only as a remarkable artist, but also as one of the funniest people she had ever met. She thanked the singer for the joy she had brought to so many people.
The Bonnie Tyler tributes carried special weight for Zeta-Jones, whose cousin Robert Sullivan was married to the singer for more than 50 years. Back in 2000, Zeta-Jones asked Tyler to perform Total Eclipse of the Heart at her wedding to Michael Douglas in New York.
Prince William also honoured the singer, calling her a proud Welsh icon. He said her extraordinary voice and unforgettable music had touched millions around the world and would continue to inspire future generations. He ended his message in Welsh, thanking her for the music.
Sir Cliff Richard said he was mourning another wonderful friend gone too soon. He remembered Tyler’s infectious zest for life and said she had entertained so many people across the world.
Other Bonnie Tyler tributes came from major names in music. Bryan Adams praised her voice and said he would always be grateful for her version of Straight from the Heart. Rod Stewart paid tribute by performing It’s a Heartache at an event in Gleneagles.
Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, grew up in a council house in Neath, south Wales. She was discovered in a Swansea club by talent scout Roger Bell and released her first single, Lost in France, in 1977.
That same year, It’s a Heartache became a major international success, reaching number four in the UK singles chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. Her biggest hit arrived in 1983, when Total Eclipse of the Heart topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
The dramatic rock ballad made Tyler the first Welsh person to score a number one hit in the United States. It also earned her a Grammy nomination and became the song most closely tied to her raspy, powerhouse voice.
Her other defining anthem, Holding Out for a Hero, was recorded for the Footloose soundtrack and later reached new audiences through Shrek 2.
The Bonnie Tyler tributes also reflected her lasting status in Wales. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the First Minister of Wales, called her a true icon, while Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens described Tyler as the sound of her teenage years. Russell T Davies praised her as a fabulous Welsh woman.
In May, Tyler was placed in an induced coma after emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. Last month, her spokesperson said she was out of the coma but remained very unwell and in intensive care.
She had been due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer and had European dates planned. She was also booked to sing at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on 17 December.
The Bonnie Tyler tributes now mark the passing of one of Britain’s most recognisable voices. Her songs filled stadiums, dance floors and karaoke rooms, but her friends remembered something more personal: her humour, warmth and love of life.