Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind chart-topper 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and perennial film trailer/soundtrack staple 'Holding Out for a Hero', has died at the age of 75.
A statement published on Tyler's personal website reads: "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."
The singer, who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, was taken to hospital in Faro, Portugal back in May for emergency intestinal surgery.
She was put into a coma to aid her recovery, and was stated last month to be out of the coma and making slow but steady progress in intensive care (via BBC News).
Born Gaynor Hopkins on 8 June, 1951 in a village in Neath, Tyler broke through in the 1970s, scoring a top five hit in both the UK and the US with her country-tinged song 'It's a Heartache'.
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After her career stalled, she teamed up with prolific Meat Loaf writer Jim Steinman, who penned two of the most dramatic songs of the 1980s for her.
'Total Eclipse of the Heart' has been used in countless films, TV shows and adverts, reportedly getting a big jump in plays every time there's an eclipse, and hit 1 billion streams on Spotify earlier this year.
'Holding Out for a Hero' was originally released as part of the Footloose soundtrack, but has now become a go-to needle drop.
Famously, it was covered by Jennifer Saunders as the Fairy Godmother in the climax of Shrek 2. Tyler also appeared as herself singing the song as duet with Carmel McQueen in an episode of Hollyoaks Later.
Unfortunately, Tyler's attempt at a late-stage career comeback at Eurovision wasn't a success, as her song 'Believe in Me' only placed 19th out of 23 in the 2013 final. Still, she continued to release music as recently as March, with last year seeing her contribute newly-recorded vocals for David Guetta's song 'Together'.
Tributes have started to pour in the for the legendary singer, with BBC Wales presenter Sue Charles 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, big hair, big 80s production matched her personality - larger than life, yet down to earth. Farewell to one of Wales' finest performers."
Wales' secretary of state Jo Stevens said she was "so sad" to hear about Tyler's death, calling her "a Welsh music icon" and "the sound of my teenage years".
"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," wrote fellow '80s star Timmy Mallett, while musician and racing card river Rick Parfitt Jr said: "This is a very sad day…She was a legend, a total fireball and a great friend. Rest in peace bright eyes. You were meant to out live us all. Xxx"
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
