This morning the family of Bonnie Tyler announced the heartbreaking news that the former Eurovision star and Welsh rock icon had passed away in hospital in Portugal.
Bonnie Tyler’s family release statement on passing of a legend
In a statement shared through Bonnie Tyler’s official website, Bonnie’s family and team confirmed the sad news that the Welsh entertainment icon had passed away in hospital in Portugal. Earlier in May, a spokesperson confirmed a medical emergency had resulted in Bonnie being placed in a medically induced coma following intestinal surgery. More recently, the spokesperson had revealed that Bonnie was taken out of the coma, but remained, “very unwell and in intensive care.”
The Welsh singer had been dividing her time between South Wales and her home in Faro, Portugal. Later this year Bonnie had been due to perform a series of gigs for a new European Tour, including one in this years’ Eurovision host city of Vienna.
“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.”
From Swansea to super stardom
Originally from Skewen in South Wales, Bonnie Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins in 1951 started singing from a young age. From the humble beginnings of a working class family and leaving school with no qualifications, Bonnie soon realised music and performing could be a pathway to something more in life.
After achieving success in local talent shows, Bonnie began working as a backing singer and formed her own band called Imagination. Soon afterwards, she received interest from RCA Records and hit the UK charts top 10 for the first time in 1976 with, ‘Lost In France’. ‘More Than |A Lover’ and ‘It’s A Heartache’ soon followed. The latter with it’s country-pop flair, becoming Tyler’s first major international success, reaching number 3 on the US Billboard charts.
During this time, Bonnie developed a sore throat. A medical examination confirmed nodules on her vocal chords. Despite the medical team insisting on complete vocal and voice rest, Bonnie couldn’t hold back. Further check ups revealed a possibility of permanent damage. Once healed, the Welsh singer returned to music. However, she noticed her vocal timber had changed completely. Always known for her husky, dulcet tones, she had now gained a distinctive gravelly rasp.
This new sound became a trademark and enabled Bonnie to record her most successful single of all time, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. The song established the welsh icon in the rock world and became the first song by a Welsh artist to chart at number 1 on the US Billboard chart. The first of three Grammy nominations followed with the power anthem finally surpassing 1 billion streams this year. Later releases included ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ which featured on the soundtrack for Footloose. In 1989 the Welsh superstar recorded the original version of ‘The Best’. Although not a success, it caught the attention of Tina Turner, who re-recorded the now infamous anthem that even Bonnie admitted sounded the best with Tina’s vocals.
Overall she released 18 studio albums with five UK top 10 hit singles, selling over 100 million copies throughout her illustrious career. Due to her success at home and abroad, she was awarded an MBE for services to music by Queen Elizabeth II in 2023.
Bonnie Tyler in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013
At the height of her career in 1983, the BBC approached Bonnie with a Eurovision offer that was turned down. Fast forward to 2012 and while recording the Rocks and Honey album in Nashville, the BBC came calling again for its internal selection. They heard the heartfelt ballad, ‘Believe In Me’ and asked her to set it aside as the United Kingdom entry the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 taking place in Malmö, Sweden. At the contest, the husky singer placed 19th with 23 points. With the album returning Bonnie to the top 40 of the UK album charts for the first time since 1986.
“I’m sure a lot of people will be disappointed on my behalf but I have really enjoyed my Eurovision experience. I did the best that I could do with a great song. I don’t feel down and I’m ready to party.”
Bonnie is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Robert Sullivan who represented Great Britain in Judo at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
The thoughts of the entire ESCXTRA.com Team are with Bonnie Tyler’s family and friends at this difficult time.
