The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Welsh singer-songwriter Bonnie Tyler.
The "Total Eclipse of the Heart" hitmaker's family and team announced her death at the age of 75 in a statement released the morning of Thursday, July 9.
© Getty ImagesThe songstress had been admitted to a hospital in Portugal in May to be treated for a perforated intestine, and for a certain period of time, was placed in an induced coma. Her family put out a statement the following month confirming that she had indeed woken up but still remained "very unwell," before announcing her death a few weeks later.
Catherine Zeta-Jones pays tribute to Bonnie Tyler
Among the many to pay tribute is fellow Welsh star Catherine Zeta-Jones, who shared in her tribute that she's actually related to Tyler through marriage.
Since 1973, Tyler was married to British judoka and Olympian Robert Sullivan, who happens to be the first cousin once-removed of the Chicago star. Catherine, 56, paid tribute to the "Holding Out For a Hero" singer on Instagram with a photo from the night before her own wedding to Michael Douglas.
"My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away," the Oscar-winning actress penned. "Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life."
"We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. [She] sang and rocked it at my wedding. An extraordinary woman with vocals to match," Catherine gushed. "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."
© InstagramShe concluded: "Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever 'Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides' of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family. God Bless."
Bonnie Tyler's death
Her team's statement sharing the news of Tyler's passing 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."
"We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."
© Getty ImagesThe life and career of Bonnie Tyler
Born Gaynor Hopkins in 1951, she first went by the name "Sherene Davis" before switching to "Bonnie Tyler" in 1975 after signing a recording deal with RCA. Her debut album, 1977's The World Starts Tonight, yielded a minor hit in "Lost in France."
Her second studio album Natural Force contained her global breakthrough single, "It's a Heartache," which sold over six million physical copies throughout the 1970s. After a few rocky years, she moved to CBS, achieving worldwide fame with 1983's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," her biggest hit.
© Getty ImagesFor decades thereafter, she remained one of Europe's most bankable and beloved stars, renowned especially for her distinctly raspy voice. She was nominated for three Grammy Awards and even represented the United Kingdom in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.
