Bonnie Tyler, best known for 1980s staples like “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died. She was 75.
The Grammy-nominated Welsh artist died “unexpectedly” Wednesday in Portugal, following a recent medically induced coma, according to a statement on her verified Facebook page.
“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 she was being treated for. We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
At the time of publication, Tyler’s website, which provided updates on her health this spring, appears to be down.
The news comes nearly two months after reports that Tyler had suffered discomfort during a London performance and was ultimately hospitalized upon her return to her home in Portugal. There, she underwent “emergency intestinal surgery,” and subsequently suffered cardiac arrest. Portuguese outlets reported that at some point following the procedure, she was placed into a medically induced coma.
By mid-June, Tyler’s website announced that she was “no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal.” They said that while doctors were “confident she will make a good recovery,” it was “a slow process.”
The health issues necessitated the rest of her upcoming shows, which were supposed to start this Friday in Germany, would be canceled or postponed.
To date, Tyler is the only singer born in Wales to have topped the Billboard Hot 100. Her breakout track was “It’s a Heartache” in the late 1970s, but it was “Total Eclipse of the Heart” that catapulted her into international fame, and in 1984, earned Tyler the first of three Grammy nods. The hit also became ubiquitous for younger generations with myriad covers, including by the “Glee” cast.
Tyler also earned Grammy nominations in 1984 for her “Faster Than The Speed of Night” album, and the following year for the single, “Here She Comes.” Her hit, “Holding Out for a Hero,” was on the “Footloose” soundtrack.
Tyler never slowed down, with 18 studio albums to her name. During 2013’s Eurovision Song Contest, she took 19th place with “Believe in Me.”
She told the Guardian in 2012 that despite her efforts to become a mother, she had no children.