Music Industry Mourns Bonnie Tyler – the Iconic Voice Behind Megahits ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ & ‘Holding Out for a Hero’

The music industry and some of its biggest enthusiasts were left reeling at news Bonnie Tyler – the Welsh singer known for her iconic raspy voice and hits ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ and ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ – died in a hospital in Portugal on Wednesday (July 8).

Full story below.A message on her official website confirmed the news. It 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.”

In May, doctors placed Tyler into an induced coma for a month after performing emergency intestinal surgery.

Born Gaynor Hopkins in 1951, Tyler rose to fame in the late ’70s with her breakout hit ‘Lost In France.’ She signed with Columbia in 1983 and subsequently released ‘Faster Than the Speed of Night’ featuring her signature song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’

The unforgettable classic topped charts worldwide and earned her a Grammy nomination.

Tyler and songwriter Jim Steinman struck gold again in 1984 with ‘Holding Out for a Hero,’ the iconic ‘Footloose‘ soundtrack gem that would go on to become an indelible part of ’80s music culture.

Over her career, she released 18 studio albums with her final coming in 2021 – a career crowned with the ultimate achievement when Queen Elizabeth awarded Tyler an MBE in 2022 for her services to music.

Bonnie is survived by Robert Sullivan, her husband of over 50 years.

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