During the final months of her life, Tyler’s health rapidly deteriorated. In May, she underwent life-saving surgery for a burst appendix in Portugal. Following the operation, doctors placed her in an induced coma.
At the time, a statement from Bonnie Tyler’s spokesperson read: “Thank you for the incredible outpouring of love and well wishes we’ve received for Bonnie over the last few days. It truly means the world.”
“Bonnie has been put into an induced coma by her doctors to aid her recovery,” it continued. “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 Tyler dead at the age of 75
According to the Mirror, Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã later reported that doctors attempted to bring Tyler out of the induced coma, but the effort reportedly caused her to suffer cardiac arrest.
Last month, Tyler’s team confirmed that she had been brought out of the coma. At the time, a spokesperson said she remained critically ill in intensive care, but that her condition was improving. According to the spokesperson, doctors were “confident” the singer would recover, despite her progress being described as “slow.”
Because of her illness, dates on Tyler’s upcoming summer tour had been postponed in the hope that she would be able to return to the stage later this year – a comeback that tragically never came.
A statement published on Bonnie Tyler’s official website 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,” according to the BBC.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
Tyler leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy that has touched millions around the world. While the tour she hoped to return to will never happen, the songs that made her a global star will continue to live on for generations to come.