Singer Bonnie Tyler, known for her hit songs "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out For A Hero," has died at the age of 75. Her family confirmed her unexpected passing in a statement released Thursday, announcing she died in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated for an unspecified illness.
Tyler's final social media post, shared on May 1, was a celebration of her involvement in the original song "One World One Home" for the documentary "Homeless." She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform on its soundtrack. The song was created to raise awareness for the homelessness crisis and was recorded with the Dallas Street Choir.
Weeks before her death, Tyler had undergone emergency surgery in Faro, Portugal, for a perforated intestine. Following the surgery, she was placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit after experiencing cardiac arrest. A spokesperson for the singer stated on June 15 that she had woken from the coma but remained seriously ill, with a slow recovery process.
Tyler had been scheduled to begin a new European tour later this year, with dates including a performance at Cardiff's Utilita Arena in December. She had also been due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Wales, Tyler was discovered by a talent scout in Swansea and released her first single, "Lost in France," in 1977. She represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. She and her husband, property developer Robert Sullivan, split their time between homes in Portugal and South Wales.
Fans and fellow artists shared tributes on social media following the news of her death. Many recalled her distinctive voice and larger-than-life stage persona. Radio personality Vernon Kay paid tribute on BBC Radio 2, playing "Holding Out For A Hero" in her memory.