Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh rock singer whose raspy, powerful voice and dramatic 1980s anthems made her a global superstar, has died at age 75.
Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins on June 8, 1951, in Skewen, South Wales, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to a statement from her representatives. She had been in declining health in recent months.
With her distinctive gravelly vocals often compared to Rod Stewart, Tyler first broke through in the late 1970s with hits like "It's a Heartache" and "Lost in France." But it was her collaboration with producer Jim Steinman in the early 1980s that catapulted her to international fame. Her 1983 album *Faster Than the Speed of Night* spawned the mega-hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which topped charts in the U.S. and U.K., sold millions, and became one of the defining power ballads of the decade.
She followed with another Steinman classic, "Holding Out for a Hero," featured in the 1984 film *Footloose*, cementing her status as a pop-rock staple. Over her five-decade career, Tyler released more than 20 studio albums, toured the world, and collaborated with artists including Desmond Child, Todd Rundgren, and even Meat Loaf. In 2013, she represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest with "Believe in Me."
Known for her energetic live performances, leather outfits, and signature big hair, Tyler remained active into her 70s, releasing new music as recently as 2022 and performing at major festivals. She was married to Robert Sullivan for more than 50 years and is survived by him and extended family.
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