Grammy-nominated Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for the 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at the age of 75, her family announced on Thursday.
Tyler died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening at a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she had been receiving treatment following an illness. Her family confirmed the news in a statement published on her official website and Facebook page.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, Tyler rose to international fame with her distinctive husky voice and a string of hits, including “It’s a Heartache,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” written by Jim Steinman, topped charts around the world and became one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Tyler remained active throughout her career, releasing 18 studio albums and continuing to perform into her seventies. She represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 with the song “Believe in Me” and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to music.
Many artists and public figures paid tribute to Tyler following news of her death.
Singer Sir Cliff Richard said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of his longtime friend in a Facebook post. Canadian singer Bryan Adams, writing on X, described Tyler as “a great voice” and said he would “always be grateful” for her “beautiful version” of his song “Straight From the Heart,” which she recorded as the B-side to her 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
