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

Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind the iconic 1983 power ballad 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75 in a hospital in Portugal. Her family announced her unexpected death on July 8, 2026, following a period of illness that included emergency intestinal surgery in May and an induced coma Source: AP News.

Health decline

Tyler was hospitalized in Faro, Portugal, where she owned a home, for emergency intestinal surgery in May. She was later placed in an induced coma to aid recovery; after emerging from the coma in June, she remained in intensive care Source: NPR. Her family's statement confirmed she died 'as a result of the illness that she was being treated for' Source: CNN.

Musical legacy

Tyler's raspy voice became her trademark after vocal cord surgery in 1977, when she screamed in anger against doctor's orders Source: Los Angeles Times. She achieved global fame with 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' written by Jim Steinman. The song topped charts in the US and UK, earned a Grammy nomination, and has over 1 billion streams on Spotify Source: BBC. Other hits include:

• 'Holding Out for a Hero' (1984) from the 'Footloose' soundtrack Source: Euronews
• 'It's a Heartache' (1977) and 'Lost in France' (1977) Source: The Guardian

Later life and honors

Tyler represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, finishing 19th Source: NPR. In 2023, she received an MBE for services to music Source: AP News. She is survived by her husband Robert Sullivan, whom she married in 1973 Source: Euronews.