Singer Bonnie Tyler known for a series of hits in the 1970s and 80s, including Total Eclipse of the Heart has died at the age of 75
A statement on her website says she died “unexpectedly” last night in a Portuguese hospital “as a result of the illness that she was being treated for”
Total Eclipse of the Heart was her biggest hit, writes Mark Savage – but after a string of flops, it almost didn’t happen
The song passed a billion streams on Spotify earlier this year. As it was written by someone else, Tyler said she earned “just about nothing” from it
Born Gaynor Hopkins in south Wales, she chose her eventual stage name by reading a newspaper and picking first names and surnames she liked
In May, the singer was placed into 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”
Keir Starmer is among those paying tribute to the Welsh pop star following her death at 75.
“The prime minister is indeed saddened to hear about the death of Bonnie Tyler, one of Britain’s greatest recording artists,” a Downing Street spokesman says.
“An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from Total Eclipse of the Heart, to Holding Out for a Hero – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”
He adds: “The prime minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
Also, fellow pop star Cliff Richard is mourning “another wonderful friend gone too soon”.
Bonnie Tyler had ‘infectious zest for life’, recalls Cliff Richard
“Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world,” the We Don’t Talk Anymore singer writes on social media, describing her as “a good friend to all, including me”.
“It’s 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”
