Catherine Zeta Jones and Cliff Richard led the tributes to Bonnie Tyler following the news that the Total Eclipse Of The Heart icon died aged 75.The Welsh pop star, whose real name is Gaynor Hopkins, died just months after she was treated in intensive care after being placed in an induced coma following an emergency intestinal surgery.The statement on her website read on Thursday: ‘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.’ Fellow Welsh native Catherine, 56, revealed she had a close relationship with Bonnie after she married her cousin Robert and sang at her wedding to Michael Douglas.Sharing her tribute alongside a picture of them together, she wrote: ‘My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away. ‘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. ‘So sang and rocked it at my wedding. An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. ‘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.’ Catherine Zeta Jones and Cliff Richard led the tributes to Bonnie Tyler following the news that the Total Eclipse Of The Heart icon died aged 75 Fellow Welsh native Catherine, 56, revealed she had a close relationship with Bonnie after she married her cousin Robert and sang at her wedding to Michael Douglas Sir Cliff spoke of his ‘wonderful friend’ Bonnie on Facebook and shared a picture of himself with the late star Sir Cliff spoke of his ‘wonderful friend’ Bonnie on Facebook and shared a picture of himself with the late star.He said: ‘Another wonderful friend gone too soon. 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 you this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie…. Cliff’.Sir Rod Stewart also shared a message for his ‘good pal’, writing: ‘We shared similar styles of vocalising. She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I sing It’s A Heartache every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling, Bonnie.’Kevin Bacon also reacted to the news of Bonnie’s passing, after her song – Holding Out for a Hero – was used in the iconic soundtrack for his film, Footloose.In a statement, he told Entertainment Weekly that Bonnie was ‘one of the great voices of rock’, and said ‘I could not imagine chicken racing a tractor to any other song. RIP.’American singer Suzi Quatro said of the iconic singer: ‘She took a song by the balls. Rest in peace, my friend, rest in peace.’Bonnie is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan. Robert was working as a club manager in Swansea, where Bonnie started singing on the local circuit.Sparks flew between the pair, and they were married three years later, when the singer was 22.In a previous interview with The Times, Bonnie revealed why she thought their relationship lasted so long.She said: ‘I think the secret to our success is that we met before I was famous.We don’t have children because we left it too late to stop taking precautions, and then I had a miscarriage when I was 40. I was unlucky, but I love all my nieces and nephews.’During the early 70s, Robert was a prominent judoka and took part in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.He competed for Great Britain in the men’s half-middleweight division, placing 18th.He also earned a silver medal at the 1972 European Team Championships in the Netherlands.After retiring from judo, Robert transitioned to a career in real estate and later became a successful property developer.Bonnie and Robert split their time between their homes in Portugal and south Wales.She first bought a property in the Algarve in the 1970s, having fallen in love with the region while recording an album.In 2009, she knocked down her five-bedroom villa in Albufeira to build a full-frontal glass home with elaborate garden water features.Vernon, 52, was among the first to pay tribute to Bonnie on his Radio 2 show, before playing her famous track Holding Out For A Hero. Sir Rod Stewart also shared a message for his ‘good pal’, writing: ‘We shared similar styles of vocalising. She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I sing It’s A Heartache every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling, Bonnie’ Kevin Bacon also reacted to the news of Bonnie’s passing, after her song – Holding Out for a Hero – was used in the iconic soundtrack for his film, Footloose Vernon, 52, was among the first to pay tribute to Bonnie on his Radio 2 show, before playing her famous track Holding Out For A Hero (stock image) Nicole shared this throwback picture of Bonnie on Instagram Stories after learning the sad news Nicole, pictured, simply wrote: ‘Bonnie RIP’ alongside a love heart emoji This Morning hosts, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley also paid tribute to Bonnie on the daytime show, saying ‘really, really sad news’ and commenting on what a lovely lady she was He said: ‘Sad news that Bonnie Tyler has passed, so from us on mid-mornings on BBC Radio 2 and everyone on Radio 2, our thoughts are with her family.’All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, 51, shared a throwback picture of Bonnie on Instagram Stories soon after hearing the news. She simply wrote: ‘Bonnie RIP’ alongside a love heart emoji. And This Morning hosts, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley also paid tribute to Bonnie on the daytime show.Ben said: ‘Really, really sad news has been announced just a few moments ago on Bonnie Tyler’s website.’Nick Ferrari said: ‘I remember interviewing her years ago because I was the pop reporter on The Sun at the time of Duran Duran and all these people and she was the most grounded person.’She was lovely to interview and honestly, I remember her saying she couldn’t quite believe how lucky she’d been, you know, a girl from Wales and she never took it for granted, always grounded and really, really decent matter. Great loss.’Cat said that she had bumped into Bonnie backstage at ITV when she had appeared on Lorraine in February, saying: ‘She was a lovely lady.’Ben said: ‘Our thoughts are with all her her friends and family during this really distressing time.’A representative for BBC’s Eurovision team also paid tribute to ‘humble and kind’ Bonnie, after she represented the UK in the contest back in 2013.They said: ‘The BBC Eurovision team are greatly saddened to hear the news that Bonnie Tyler, who represented the UK at Eurovision in 2013 passed away last night.’Bonnie was a music legend and we were truly honoured that such an iconic performer represented the UK.’Behind the scenes she was humble, huge fun and very kind. She brought energy to the contest and was a joy to spend time with. We all have such fond memories. Our thoughts and best wishes go to Bonnie’s family.’Fellow musician Bryan Adams paid tribute to Bonnie and her musical talent, in particular her version of Straight From The Heart, a song he also recorded.He wrote on X: ‘Dear Bonnie Tyler passed today, she had such a great voice and I’ll always be grateful of her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie. RIP’. Fellow musician Bryan Adams paid tribute to Bonnie and her musical talent, in particular her version of Straight From The Heart, a song he also recorded Singer Rick Parfitt Jr will never forget the memories he shared with the hitmaker Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has been left ‘heartbroken’ by the news Wales’ First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, declared the country has ‘lost a true icon’ following Bonnie’s passingSinger Rick Parfitt Jr will never forget the memories he shared with the hitmaker.He wrote on Instagram: ‘So incredibly sad, but will remember our great chats, your wicked sense of humour, your kindness, incredible talent and all the fun gigs we did together! Rest in peace bright eyes.’Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has been left ‘heartbroken’ by the news.She wrote on Instagram: ‘Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the incredible Bonnie Tyler.’A true Welsh legend whose unmistakable voice inspired generations and put Wales on the world stage with such power, passion and authenticity.’Growing up in the same part of the world as Bonnie, makes this loss feel especially close to home. She showed so many of us what was possible so today, we’re all holding out for a hero… and saying goodbye to one of our very own.’Rest peacefully, Bonnie. Your music, your spirit and your legacy will live on forever.’Wales’ First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, declared the country has ‘lost a true icon’ following Bonnie’s passing.The politician wrote on X: ‘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.’And Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, described her as ‘one of Britain’s greatest recording artists’.His spokesperson added: ‘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.’The prime minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.’Elsewhere, many fans paid tribute on X, writing: ‘Such sad news about Bonnie Tyler. She was always one of those ”what you see, is what you get” pop stars. The big voice, the big hair, big 80s production matched her personality – larger than life, yet down to earth. Farewell to one of Wales’ finest performers.’RIP Bonnie Tyler, thank you for giving us the best Nicholas Galitzine scene ever, Jeff singing to Total Eclipse Of The Heart in Bottoms is iconic.’Dear Bonnie Tyler, thank you for your magnificent voice, the big smiles, the huge joy you have brought to us over the years. What a gift.’ Bonnie died after going into cardiac arrest following surgery which left her in an induced coma (the singer is pictured in her last TV appearance in February) Following news of Bonnie’s death, many fans paid tribute on XThe performer was best known for her hits Total Eclipse Of The Heart and Holding Out For A Hero, and she had planned a new European tour which had been due to start later this year.Bonnie was first admitted to hospital in May because of complications caused by a burst appendix and perforated intestine that required urgent surgery.A spokesperson for the singer confirmed at the time: ‘Bonnie has been put into an induced coma by her doctors to aid her recovery. We know that you all wish her well and ask for privacy at this difficult time please. ‘We will issue a further statement when we are able to.’Bonnie’s last public performance was in March, when she performed at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.Following news of Bonnie’s death, many fans rushed to the star’s final Instagram post, which took on a poignant new meaning in the wake of her death.The Instagram post was a clip of MP Carolyn Harris asking the Leader of the House to join her in wishing the Welsh singer well after news broke in mid-May that she’d been hospitalised.Bonnie had also shared her excitement that she was involved in an original song, One World One Home, for the documentary Homeless, which focuses on the housing crisis in Las Vegas.Posting the film’s trailer on her Instagram, Bonnie said she was ‘grateful’ for the chance to perform on the soundtrack. Bonnie Tyler’s last public performance was in March, when she performed at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London (pictured) The singer’s passing was announced in a message posted on her website and Facebook pageBonnie 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. It was first reported that Bonnie had started feeling unwell in May. She had been bedridden for two days at her Algarve home before her worried husband, Robert Sullivan, took her to a local private hospital, from which she was transferred to Faro.When her health woes first emerged, her spokesperson said: ‘We are very sorry to announce that Bonnie has been admitted to hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she has a home, for emergency intestinal surgery.’The surgery went well and she is now recuperating.’We know that all of her family, friends and fans will be concerned about this news and will be wishing her well for a full and swift recovery.’She was said to have been ‘stable’ in an intermediate care unit at Faro Hospital before an apparent worsening of her health led to her being transferred to intensive care.On June 15, the singer’s team said she had woken up from a medically-induced coma after suffering a cardiac arrest in Portugal a month previously.They said at the time: ‘Bonnie is no longer in a coma, but remains seriously ill. Although her condition is improving, the recovery process is slow.’Sources said she had been maintaining her professional activity in the run-up to being taken to hospital, despite complaining of persistent pain for several weeks.Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, causing it to stop beating and disrupting oxygen flow to the body and brain.Bonnie was also being treated for a ruptured appendix, which is a severe medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention and antibiotics to a prevent fatal infection.When an infected appendix ruptures, it creates a hole and causes fecal matter and bacteria to leak into the abdominal cavity.Speaking in March, Bonnie spoke about pain she’d been having in her knees, which at the time was her only real health concern. Bonnie was admitted to Faro hospital in May, where she underwent emergency surgery, but then went into cardiac arrest last month Bonnie met her husband Robert Sullivan when he was managing a nightclub in Swansea and they married in 1973 when she was 22 Bonnie and her property developer Robert (pictured together in 2001), a former Olympian judo athlete, were married for more than 50 years Bonnie, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, was discovered by a talent scout at a club in Swansea and released her first single, Lost In France, in 1977 Her fifth studio album, Faster Than The Speed of Light, debuted at No. 1 on the UK albums chart and sold more than one million copies in the US (pictured in 1984) The Here She Comes hitmaker represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, coming in 19th place, and received an MBE for services to music in 2023Back in March, Bonnie told Hello!: ‘I’m fit enough at the moment, touch wood, and I’m really enjoying doing the shows.’I’m still rocking on that stage with my wonderful band, and if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.’I do home Pilates, only 20 minutes a day – it’s something I can do in my hotel room.’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.’Bonnie and property developer Robert split their time between their homes in Portugal and South Wales.She first bought a property in the Algarve in the 1970s, having fallen in love with the region while recording an album.In 2009, she knocked down her five-bedroom villa in Albufeira to build a full-frontal glass home with elaborate garden water features.Speaking about the area, she said: ‘It’s a magical place where you could sail out to sea at midnight and enjoy a barbecue and return to shore in the early hours of the morning to find the local bars still open.’Bonnie and her husband, who is a former Olympian Judo athlete, also owned a number of rental properties in Portugal.Speaking to the Mirror last year, she said: ‘I started singing when I was 17 and I never thought I’d still be doing it at this age. I’ve slowed down a little bit, but I know now that I will never retire.’Even though I was so lucky because I was in Portugal when the first lockdown was announced, by the end of it, I’d had enough. I was going crazy. I needed to get back on the road!’Bonnie previously told the Daily Mail that she inherited her love of music from her mother, but it took her a while to overcome her shyness to perform. She said: ‘My mother, Elsie, was a big part of why I became a singer. She had the most beautiful voice; she sounded like Maria Callas.’I inherited her love of music. But I had no confidence. She used to say to me: “Believe in yourself because no one else is going to do it for you.” But it took me a long time.’Bonnie, a coal miner´s daughter, was raised in public housing with an outside toilet in Skewen, Wales, about seven miles (11km) outside Swansea. She grew up with three sisters and two brothers.According to her memoir, Straight From the Heart, she adored The Beatles and the first album she owned was their A Hard Day´s Night; the first single she bought was Hippy Hippy Shake by the Swinging Blue Jeans at 13 and she watched BBC music show Top Of The Pops religiously.She shared that she would record Top Of The Pops on a reel-to-reel two-track tape recorder and write down the lyrics of the songs she loved. ‘I used to sing them into my hairbrush for hours and hours, and that´s how it all started for me. I fell in love with singing just from doing that. ‘Looking back, even then my voice had a husky tone to it, but I didn´t think much of it. I thought everyone´s voices were different from each others,’ she wrote.Bonnie was entered into a local talent competition by her aunt as a teenager and became inspired to pursue a career in singing.At first she found work as a backing singer for various bands and changed her stage name to Sherene Davis to avoid being confused with Welsh folk singer Mary Hopkin.Bonnie was then discovered by a talent scout at a club in Swansea and signed a record contract with RCA, which led to her releasing her first single, Lost in France, in 1977. That same year she developed vocal cord nodules and was forced to undergo surgery, and the star feared she’d never sing again.Luckily, Bonnie recovered well and her first major hit, It’s A Heartache, went to number four on the UK singles chart and three on the US Billboard Hot 100.Bonnie was then booked as a support act for Tom Jones off the back of her music success, and like the Sex Bomb star, she has expressed pride at retaining her Wlesh accent, following fears she would need to have elocution lessons.She told The Times in 2025: ‘I had some elocution lessons but now I’m delighted that I’ve kept my accent and that Tom Jones did too.’ Bonnie’s second album, Natural Force was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and she then left RCA to join CBS/Columbia in 1982. Bonnie went onto find huge success in mainland Europe during the 1990s, and in recent years has focused on touring the world performing all of her biggest hits The Welsh songstress was due to start her European tour later this year, but was hospitalised to treated for emergency bowel surgery and a perforated intestine in MayHer biggest hit was Total Eclipse of the Heart, which topped the chart on both sides of the Atlantic in 1983 and earned her a Grammy nomination. The song spent four weeks at No. 1, and when Stereogum reevaluated it in 2020, the music outlet declared it an ‘extinction-level event rendered in musical form.”It´s pop music as heart-pounding, chest-thumping, blood-gargling, heavens-falling passion explosion. It´s sheer spectacle. It´s fireworks and lasers and lightning and thunder. It soars and swoops and barrel-rolls,’ the site said.Bonnie worked with Meatloaf songwriter and producer, Jim Steinman, and he borrowed one of the song´s lyrics – ‘Turn around, bright eyes’ – from his 1969 musical The Dream Engine.’Jim liked to put down a basic rhythm track, do nine takes of the song, choose the best one and then put the kitchen sink on there, like Phil Spector used to,’ Bonnie told The Guardian in 2023. ‘He gave me a cassette to listen to in my hotel and we both preferred take two.’The song became a pop culture fixture and was covered by the English singer Nicki French in 1995, and the band Westlife in 2006. Cate Blanchett sang it while hitting Billy Bob Thornton with her car in 2001’s Bandits, it appeared in a wedding scene in 2003’s Old School and Jennifer Saunders performed the song in 2004’s Shrek 2.Her fifth studio album, Faster Than The Speed of Light, debuted at No. 1 on the UK albums chart and sold more than one million copies in the US.Bonnie went onto find huge success in mainland Europe during the 1990s, and in recent years has focused on touring the world performing all of her biggest hits. Faster Than the Speed of Night earned a Grammy nomination for best rock vocal performance – losing to Pat Benatar´s Love Is a Battlefield – and Bonnie got another nod for Total Eclipse of the Heart in the best pop vocal performance category, losing to Irene Cara’s Flashdance – What a Feeling.’Tyler never reached such dizzying heights again but stayed current with such movie soundtrack singles as Holding Out For a Hero – from 1984’s Footloose – and Here She Comes from Metropolis, also in 1984.Her 2019 disc Between the Earth and the Stars featured duets with Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard and Status Quo´s Francis Rossi, and she ended that year performing a Vatican Christmas concert before Pope Francis.Her final studio album was The Best Is Yet to Come, which was released in 2021.Last year, she teamed up with producers David Guetta and Hypaton for a club version of Total Eclipse of the Heart called Together, and earlier this year, the original version passed a billion streams on Spotify.She said at the time: ‘I’m really happy, when you think about it, there’s only 8.3 billion people in the world.’The Here She Comes hitmaker represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, coming in 19th place, and received an MBE for services to music in 2023.