At Nerdist, we don’t cover too much music. But it’s undoubtedly true that the movies and TV series that we love so much are greatly impacted by the great musical artists of different times. And one of these artists is absolutely Bonnie Tyler. From Stranger Things to Shrek, ’80s power ballad icon Bonnie Tyler has certainly left her mark across pop culture. (Not to mention given this author her favorite karaoke song.) And so, with great sadness, we share that Bonnie Tyler has died. Tyler was 75 at the time of her death.
Bonnie Tyler’s death marks the loss of a great ’80s icon. And if you’ve never seen her “Total Eclipse of the Heart” music video, it’s a great cinematic masterpiece in its own right. And we greatly encourage you to watch it immediately. Dramatic lighting, billowing fabric, dancers in the middle of the hall, falling chandeliers, and a possessed group of college men, for some reason. We have no choice but to stan. Tyler knew how to deliver a power ballad.
In a statement around Bonnie Tyler’s death, her family shares, “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in a 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.”
It seems Bonnie Tyler had been unwell for some time leading up to her death, and had been in a prolonged medically induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery for a perforated intestine.
The Welsh singer, who originally found fame in the 1970s and 80s, was still performing concerts late into her life. And even though it had been over 40 years since “Total Eclipse of the Heart” released and became a huge hit, Bonnie Tyler loved it her whole life. “I never get tired of singing it,” she shared with BBC News. “I love it because everyone can’t wait to sing it.”
And love it we do. We feel greatly saddened by Tyler’s death. But grateful that she gave generations of people an anthem to scream in the shower as they pour their hearts to the gods. We appreciate the legacy Bonnie Tyler leaves to the world.