Bonnie Tyler, whose hits include ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, dies at 75

Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer whose raspy voice made “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero” among the defining pop hits of the 1980s, has died after an illness in Portugal, her family and team announced. She was 75.

“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,” a statement posted to her social media accounts said. “We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”

Nearly a month earlier, Tyler’s team said she had been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. On June 15, they said she was no longer in a coma but remained “very unwell” in intensive care.

Tyler became known internationally for her powerful, gravelly voice, a sound that helped distinguish her from other pop and rock singers of her era. Her breakthrough included “It’s a Heartache,” which became one of her signature songs.

Her biggest hit came with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” the dramatic 1983 power ballad that became closely associated with her career and remained a staple of radio, television and film for decades. She later reached another generation of listeners with “Holding Out for a Hero,” which became one of her most recognizable songs.

Tyler continued performing for decades after her commercial peak, touring internationally and remaining a familiar figure in European pop and rock music.

In June, her team said Tyler was aware of the outpouring of support from fans around the world and was grateful for the good wishes she had received.