Tributes have poured in for legendary Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler following her death at the age of 75, with Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones leading the heartfelt messages in honour of the music icon.
Tyler, best known for timeless hits including ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ and ‘It’s a Heartache’, died unexpectedly on Wednesday night at a hospital in Portugal, where she had been receiving treatment for an illness, according to a statement released by her family.
Among the first to pay tribute was Zeta-Jones, who revealed she was “heartbroken” by the loss of the singer. Sharing a photo of them together on Instagram, the ‘Wednesday’ star described Tyler as “a one-of-a-kind artist” and remembered her infectious personality.
“My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away,” she wrote. “A one-of-a-kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. Thank you, Bonnie, for the joy you brought to so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady.”
Tyler is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan, who is also Zeta-Jones’ cousin. The actress and singer shared a close bond over the years, with Tyler famously performing at Zeta-Jones’ 2000 wedding to actor Michael Douglas in New York.
Music stars also paid tribute to the Grammy-winning singer. Cliff Richard described Tyler as “another wonderful friend gone too soon,” praising her “infectious zest for life” and calling her “a good friend to all.”
Bryan Adams also honoured the late singer, remembering her remarkable voice and thanking her for recording her version of his song ‘Straight From the Heart’.
Tyler had faced serious health challenges in recent months. In May, she was placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. Although she later regained consciousness, her spokesperson confirmed last month that she remained critically ill in intensive care.
Her family, who requested privacy as they mourned, said a further statement would be released in due course.
Political leaders also joined in paying tribute. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Tyler as “one of Britain’s greatest recording artists,” saying her music would continue to touch lives for generations. Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth called her “a true icon,” while Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens described her as “the sound of my teenage years.”
Acclaimed screenwriter Russell T Davies simply wrote, “What a fabulous Welsh woman!”
Music producer Pete Waterman compared Tyler’s distinctive raspy vocals to those of the late Tina Turner, describing her as one of Britain’s greatest soul-inspired voices.
“She had an amazing voice and was equal to Tina Turner in my opinion,” he said. “You could imagine Tina singing ‘It’s a Heartache’.”
Tyler had been scheduled to perform at several concerts across Europe this year, including appearances at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester and Cardiff’s Utilita Arena in December.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, South Wales, Bonnie Tyler built an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades, earning worldwide acclaim for her unmistakable voice and enduring anthems that remain classics to this day. She leaves behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations of fans around the world.
