Bonnie TylerWelsh singer-songwriter Bonnie Tyler, born Gaynor Sullivan, has “unexpectedly” passed away at the age of 75 while she was being treated for an illness.
The sad news was confirmed by her family and team, who shared the following statement on Facebook:
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.
We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.
In May, it was reported that Tyler had been placed into an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
She had been rushed to a hospital close to her home in Faro, Portugal, for the operation. At the time, it was said that she was recuperating. However, a spokesperson for the singer gave an update just one day later, which said she was in an induced coma to “aid her recovery.”
Known for ‘80s hits such as Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, Tyler is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and received an MBE for her services to music in 2023.
Tyler’s eighteeth and final album, The Best Is Yet to Come, was released in 2021. Last year, David Guetta and Hypaton released a new song called Together, interpolating Total Eclipse of the Heart and featuring Bonnie Tyler on vocals. Her last singles, Only Love and One World One Home, were released earlier this year.
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Tyler was set to make her long-awaited return to Australia last year on the Timeless Summer Tour, where she would have shared the stage with Boy George, Tony Hadley, and Starship’s Mickey Thomas. However, the events were cancelled, with promoters citing a difficult financial climate.
Bonnie Tyler last toured Australia in 2017, when she performed at the Blues on Broadbeach Festival and headlined grand venues such as Hamer Hall in Melbourne and the Enmore Theatre in Sydney.
Taking to X, Bryan Adams wrote that Tyler “had such a great voice.” He added, “I’ll always be grateful for her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie RIP.”
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, noting that Tyler was married to her cousin and she performed at her wedding to Michael Douglas, wrote on Instagram, “My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away.”
“An extraordinary woman with vocals to match,” she wrote. “A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.”
Cliff Richard added, “Another wonderful friend gone too soon. Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me. It is shocking news to wake up to you this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie…. Cliff xx.”
