Downing Street has said Sir Keir Starmer was “saddened” to hear that Bonnie Tyler has died and praised the Welsh singer as being “one of Britain’s greatest recording artists”.
The Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, died aged 75 on Wednesday night, months after being treated in intensive care after being placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from Total Eclipse Of The Heart to Holding Out For A Hero – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”
He added: “The Prime Minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
Also paying tribute was Sir Cliff Richard, who wrote that she was a “wonderful friend gone too soon”.
In a post shared on Facebook he said: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me.
“It is shocking news to wake up to this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time.”
A statement on the singer’s official website said her family and team were “heartbroken” after she “unexpectedly passed away” on Wednesday night in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated near her home in Faro.
Tyler was due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth led tributes on Thursday and said Wales had “lost a true icon”.
He posted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
“Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said she was “so sad” to hear about the death of a “Welsh music icon” who she described as “the sound of my teenage years”.
The singer achieved international fame in the 1980s with the release of Total Eclipse Of The Heart, which shot to the top of the charts in the UK and the US.
Faster Than The Speed of Night, the album which featured the smash-hit track, was also a chart-topping success and landed the singer her only UK number one album.
Recognisable for her husky voice, Tyler released many other hit songs over the years including Holding Out For A Hero, It’s A Heartache and If You Were A Woman (And I Was A Man).
She represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, with the song Believe In Me finishing in 19th place.
Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman also paid tribute, writing: “I’m so very sorry to hear this. As a Welsh woman Bonnie and her music represented so much to us, it was about fighting and power and living life without apology.
“May you rest in Musical Glory Bonnie.”
The star, who was born in Neath in South Wales, continued to make music and perform until her death, having released her 18th studio album The Best Is Yet To Come in 2021.
Despite being a widely acclaimed and globally renowned star, Tyler never received a Grammy Award during her decades-long career but did receive three nominations.
She was made an MBE in 2023 for services to music.
Tyler’s official website appears to have crashed since the news of her death was announced.
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