Singer Bonnie Tyler has died unexpectedly at the age of 75 on July 8 in a hospital in Portugal "as a result of the illness that she was being treated for," a statement on her website says.

At the beginning of May, she had been placed into an induced coma to aid her recovery after emergency intestinal surgery. After she emerged from coma more than a month later, she remained in intensive care.

She was best known for the 80s megahit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," but also singles including "It's a Heartache" and "Holding Out for a Hero" from the soundtrack of the musical movie "Footloose."

A raspy voice becomes a trademark

Born Gaynor Hopkins on June 8, 1951, in Wales, UK, she grew up in a working-class family, where music played a central role. 

She began performing in local clubs during the late 60s. After taking part in a local talent competition in 1969 and placing second, she was inspired to pursue music professionally.

Bonnie Tyler adopted her stage name in the mid-70s. Her first major hit in the UK and several European countries several came in 1977 with the single "Lost in France." 

Soon afterward, she achieved international recognition with "It's a Heartache," a country-rock ballad that became one of the defining songs of the late 70s.

Part of Tyler's appeal came from her raspy voice. She said it was due to not having followed her doctor's advice to rest her voice during the recovery phase of a surgery to remove vocal nodules in 1977. The gravelly sound became her trademark, giving her performances a raw emotional intensity.

Forever remembered for 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'

A collaboration with producer and songwriter Jim Steinman, known for his theatrical rock productions, would transform Tyler into a global superstar. Together they created "Total Eclipse of the Heart," one of the most iconic power ballads in pop history. 

Steinman had originally written the song for a vampire-themed musical inspired by Nosferatu. The music video, which featured gothic imagery and romance, as well as characters with surreal bright eyes, made "Total Eclipse of the Heart" feel like it was part of a movie's soundtrack. The song's release in 1983 turned Tyler into an MTV-era star.

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" became closely associated with the grand, cinematic sound of 80s rock music. The song has since remained widely used in pop culture, often parodied and referenced in viral reinterpretations. Lunar and solar eclipses also contribute to the song's regularly renewed attention. 

Another major success from the same era was "Holding Out for a Hero," released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack for the film "Footloose." Once again, Steinman's bombastic songwriting effects coupled perfectly with Tyler's powerful voice.

Bon Jovi fans will also recognize similarities between the chorus tune of the US rock band's 1986 hit "You Give Love a Bad Name" and Bonnie Tyler's "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)," released earlier that same year. 

Although the lyrics of the two songs are different, they were both commissioned by Jim Steinman, who felt the song was actually a hit and should have obtained more success than Tyler's did, through better promotion.

Never tired of her top hit

In 2013, Tyler represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Believe in Me." She finished in 19th place out of 26 contestants.

Bonnie Tyler sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned three Grammy nominations, alongside other international music honors. 

Even though her most iconic hit surpassed a billion streams on Spotify, Tyler told the BBC in January 2026 that she received practically "nothing" in revenue for its streaming, as she did not own the rights to it; they are held by John Steinman's estate. The songwriter and producer passed away in 2021.

Nevertheless, Tyler's net worth was estimated at approximately $30 million in 2026, as she remained active throughout her career, releasing new singles and touring for her loyal international fan base, with concerts celebrating her 1980s classic rock and pop hits.

More than four decades after the release of "Total Eclipse of the Heart," the Welsh artist still felt empowered every time she sang her most famous hit to her fans: "I never get tired of singing it," she told the BBC in 2026. "I love it because everyone can't wait to sing it."

Edited by: Cristina Burack