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Breaking news: Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75

Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 10:23

The Total Eclipse of the Heart star died unexpectedly in hospital in Portugal, where she had been receiving treatment for an illness

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75, according to a statement to her website.

The statement this morning said “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.”

Tyler, who was born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, became one of Wales’ most successful recording artists.

She was best known for hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero and It’s a Heartache.

She represented the UK at Eurovision in 2013 and was made an MBE for services to music in 2023. Tyler also featured at a launch event on Canal Street in Manchester for Gaydio when the station appeared as a four week pop-up station back in 2007.

Earlier this year, Tyler’s team said she had been receiving treatment in Portugal following emergency intestinal surgery.

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