Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75 after emergency surgery and weeks in induced coma

Legendary Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 – weeks after undergoing emergency surgery and being placed in a coma.

The Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer – famed for her husky voice – died from an illness following her operation, her heartbroken family said.

Bonnie, who was born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen near Neath, SouthWales, was rushed to a hospital in Portugal with a perforated intestine in April.

The singer was then placed in an induced coma after several days at Faro Hospital, before being taken to an intensive care ward.

She later woke from the coma on June 15, but reportedly suffered a serious infection after the operation.

And a statement published on the singer’s website today confirmed the legendary singer passed away last night following an illness.

It read: “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.”

The pop star initially rose to prominence in 1977 with her album The World Starts Tonight.

But she reached global fame in 1983 with her chart-topping anthem Total Eclipse Of The Heart.

The track was originally intended for iconic rocker Meat Loaf, but due to a dispute with his record label and issues with his voice, was given to Bonnie.

It went on to sell six million records and become one of the best selling singles of all time.

She then went on to achieve four more top ten hits including It’s A Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero.

The singer, who was married to property developer Robert Sullivan since 1973, competed at the Eurovision Song Contest for UK in 2013.

She finished the competition in 19th place with her song Believe In Me.

In 2021, she released her 18th studio album, The Best Is Yet To Come.

The same year, the 80s legend opened up about ageing and credited her looks toregular Botox injections.

She said: “I’ve been having Botox twice a year, for many years, darling.

“I haven’t had the opportunity since the Christmas before last. But I’m doing all right. I’m quite fit for my age, thank God.

“And I’m never going to retire. I look at Tom Jones. He’s amazing.

“His voice is as strong as ever — and he’s got ten years on me.”

Bonnie earned three Grammy Award nominations across her storied five decade-long career and was awarded an MBE for service to music in 2023.

She made her last public appearance at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where she performed to thousands of adoring fans, in March.

In April, she began to feel intense abdominal pain shortly after arriving in Portugal, where she has a second home, following tests in London.

It was announced in May that Bonnie had been rushed to hospital with a serious tear in her bowel and had to have emergency surgery.

But complications from the operation meant doctors had to place the singer in an induced coma.

A spokesperson for the singer said at the time: “Bonnie has been put into an induced coma by her doctors to aid her recovery.

“We know that you all wish her well and ask for privacy at this difficult time please. We will issue a further statement when we are able to.”

Portuguese media then claimed Bonnie went into cardiac arrest when doctors first tried to bring her out of her induced coma several weeks ago.

In the wake of the complications, Bonnie’s planned concerts until the end of August were scrapped.

She was due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates.

Bonnie had also been booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.

Tributes from devastated fans have flooded in for the iconic singer on social media.

One wrote: “Such sad news about Bonnie Tyler.

“She was always one of those ”what you see, is what you get” pop stars.

“The big voice, the big hair, big 80s production matched her personality – larger than life, yet down to earth.

“Farewell to one of Wales’ finest performers.”

Another penned: “RIP Bonnie Tyler, thank you for giving us the best Nicholas Galitzine scene ever.

“Jeff singing to Total Eclipse Of The Heart in Bottoms is iconic.”

And a third said: “Thank you for you magnificent voice, the big smiles, the huge joy you have brought to us over the years. What a gift.”