Thu, 9 Jul 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jul 9, 2026 · 16:05
World News Updated Jul 9, 2026

Bonnie Tyler, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' Singer, Dies at 75

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, famous for her 1980s hit 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at age 75 after emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. She rose to fame with her debut album in 1977 and developed her trademark raspy voice following vocal cord surgery. Tyler achieved worldwide success with songs like 'It's a Heartache' and 'Holding Out for a Hero,' and continued performing into her later years. She is survived by her husband Robert Sullivan, whom she married in 1973.

'Total Eclipse of the Heart' singer Bonnie Tyler dies at 75

Washington, July 9

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, whose powerful hit Total Eclipse of the Heart became one of the biggest songs of the 1980s, has died at the age of 75.

According to The New York Times, Tyler passed away on Wednesday at a hospital in Portugal after battling an illness, according to a post shared on her official Facebook account. As per the post, she had undergone emergency intestinal surgery at a hospital in Faro, where she had a home. She was later placed in a coma and remained in intensive care.

Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, Tyler began her music career in the 1970s and rose to fame with her debut album The World Starts Tonight in 1977. The album featured the hit song Lost in France and helped introduce her to audiences around the world.

Early in her career, Tyler underwent surgery to remove vocal cord nodules. The operation changed her voice, giving it the raspy sound that later became her trademark, The New York Times said.

She found worldwide success with songs that blended pop, rock and country music. Her 1977 hit It's a Heartache became an international success and was followed by an even bigger breakthrough in the 1980s.

Tyler reached the peak of her career with 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' written by Jim Steinman. The song topped charts around the world and became one of the defining tracks of the decade. Over the years, it has continued to remain popular, crossing more than a billion streams on both Spotify and YouTube.

She also recorded 'Holding Out for a Hero,' which featured in the 1984 film 'Footloose,' and 'Here She Comes,' which earned her a Grammy nomination after appearing in the restored version of Metropolis.

In later years, Tyler continued to perform and record music. She represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 with 'Believe in Me.' In 2021, she released her 18th studio album, 'The Best Is Yet to Come,' followed by her autobiography, 'Straight From the Heart,' in 2023.

Bonnie Tyler is survived by her husband, Robert Sullivan, whom she married in 1973.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Rohit L

Very sad news. She had a voice like no other. My father used to play her cassettes on our old tape recorder. "It's a Heartache" was his favorite. It's amazing how music crosses borders. She will be missed. 💔

Aditya G

Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed with how the article is framed. It feels like it's copied straight from The New York Times without any original reporting from Indian media. We deserve more context about her impact here, not just a rehash of western sources. Still, a great artist. Rest in peace.

Michael C

Bonnie Tyler was a one-of-a-kind talent. Her husky voice was so distinctive. "Holding Out for a Hero" still gives me chills. I remember watching Footloose in the theater in the 80s. Such a loss for the music world.

Sneha F

Very sad. I only recently discovered her music through a documentary. She had such a tough journey with her voice surgery and all, but she turned it into her strength. Truly inspiring. My condolences to her family. 🕊️

James A

Another legend gone. Her music was a huge part of my youth. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is an absolute masterpiece. She'll be remembered for generations. Rest easy, Bonnie. 🌹

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked