Culture

Bonnie Tyler Dies Aged 75

Was Tyler a beloved Welsh icon gone too soon or a defiant artist who forged her own extraordinary path?

Published JUL 9

Story

Above: Bonnie Tyler performs in Madrid, Spain on Sept. 28, 2024. Image credit: Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns/Getty Images

The Facts

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for her 1980s hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," has died aged 75.
Guardian
Independent
"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," a statement on her Facebook page read.
Bonnie Tyler on Facebook
It came after Tyler was put into an induced coma after she underwent emergency intestinal surgery near her home in Faro, Portugal in May. In June, a spokesperson said she was no longer in a coma but remained "very unwell" and in intensive care.
Guardian
ITV
Bonnie Tyler on Facebook
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, near Swansea, U.K. in 1951, Tyler decided to pursue singing after her aunt encouraged her to enter a talent competition. In 1975, she was spotted performing by talent scout Roger Bell, who helped her record her first demo tape, preceding her signing to RCA.
Guardian
Independent
ITV
While her debut single did not perform well, her follow-up, "Lost in France," ended up in the U.K. top ten. But soon after, she developed nodules on her vocal cords that required surgery. She feared it would spell the end of her singing journey, but producers loved her new, raspier voice, which defined the rest of her career.
Guardian
Independent
ITV
In addition to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" — written by Meat Loaf's Jim Steinman and released in 1983 — her other hits included "Holding Out for a Hero" the following year, which appeared in "Footloose" and later in "Shrek 2." She recorded 18 studio albums, had three Grammy nominations and was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music in 2023.
BBC News
Guardian
Independent

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The Spin

Narrative A

Not only was Tyler a pop sensation and an icon of Wales, she was a larger-than-life figure who loved living. This is tragic news and she will be sorely missed.

BBC News

Narrative B

Tyler had a rather unusual career that could've flopped if she let record labels have their way. But she took matters into her own hands and sought out the collaborations she cared for, singing every song like it would be her last. In the end, she had a unique and extraordinary career.