Bonnie Tyler's heartbreaking comments about her health before her 'unexpected' death at 75


Bonnie Tyler died on July 8, 2026, after ongoing health issues relating to emergency intestinal surgery she had in May 2026


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HELLO!
Jenni McKnightUS Lifestyle Editor
Updated: July 10, 2026
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Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler revealed some insight into her health issues just months before she died "unexpectedly" on July 8, 2026, aged 75.

The "Total Eclipse of the Heart" singer's  "heartbroken" family announced her passing in a statement on her website,  revealing she died in a hospital in Portugal amid ongoing health complications

The statement read: "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."

Bonnie was placed in a medically induced coma in May to "aid her recovery" after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery.

bonnie tyler maroon jacket© Getty Images
Bonnie Tyler died aged 75 on July 8, 2026

In June, Bonnie's team shared that the star was no longer in a coma but remained "very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal."

She was due to begin a 30-date tour in May, with a homecoming gig scheduled in Cardiff in December.

Ahead of her death, the "Holding Out for a Hero" hitmaker opened up about her health and shared her love of performing on stage. 

During an exclusive interview with HELLO!, she said: "I'm fit enough at the moment, touch wood, and I'm really enjoying doing the shows. 

Bonnie Tyler during her performance at the Hipodromo de la Zarzuela in Madrid, Spain, in 2021
© Getty Images
Bonnie was due to go on tour before she was admitted to hospital for emergency intestinal surgery.

"I'm still rocking on that stage with my wonderful band, and if you've got your health, you've got everything." 

From the comfort of her second home in the coastal village of Mumbles, Swansea, the Grammy nominee and 80s powerhouse explained how she was keeping her body fit in her later years. 

"I do home Pilates, only 20 minutes a day - it's something I can do in my hotel rooms. I have had problems with my knees; I didn't have new knees, I had what they call washouts [a surgical knee procedure], which turned out to be very successful. So, hopefully that will last for a long time."

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler performs onstage during a concert at Preto e Prata Hall in Casino Estoril on April 29, 2023 in Estoril, Portugal. This concert tour celebrates the 40th anniversary of the single “Total Eclipse of the Heart
 Getty Images
Bonnie was looking forward to touring before her health declined

Bonnie's comeback tour 

The star, born Gaynor Hopkins, revealed before her hospital stay that she was embarking on a tour that included UK shows in Manchester, London and Cardiff in March, 2026.

On the 50th anniversary of the release of her first hit single, "Lost in France," 2026 was supposed to be the year fans were treated to Bonnie singing them a love song - or two. 

Gaynor Sullivan, also known as Bonnie Tyler, with her MBE after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on February 1, 2023 © Getty Images
The star was beginning to play dates on her comeback tour before falling ill

While reflecting on her next venture, Bonnie shared what the first few stops of her tour had been like and highlighted: "I've just come back from Belfast, where the waterfront was sold out there. It was fantastic, and the Irish people are so wonderful.

"I'm going to Denmark in a few days, then I'm in London, Sweden, Malta, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Turkey, Austria, then a cruise, then Scotland. I love it. I'm really looking forward to doing the Cardiff show as well.

"I always do the old hit records and some new stuff. I still record new material because my fans cry out for it," she added.

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