Singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for the hit song “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has woken up from a coma about a month after suffering cardiac arrest, though she remains seriously ill and under intensive medical care, her team said.
In a statement posted June 15 on Tyler’s official website, her representatives confirmed that the 73-year-old artist is no longer in a medically induced coma but continues to be hospitalized in Portugal.
“Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal,” the statement said. “Although her condition is improving it is a slow process. Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time.”
Hospitalization in Portugal
Tyler was rushed to a hospital in Portugal in May for emergency surgery, according to an earlier update on her website. It was later disclosed that she had been placed in a medically induced coma following cardiac arrest.
Her team has not released details about the circumstances surrounding the medical emergency, citing privacy concerns.
Shows Canceled during Recovery
Because of her condition, Tyler’s team announced that upcoming performances have been canceled. They expressed hope that concerts scheduled for the fall may still go forward, depending on her recovery.
The statement thanked fans for their messages of support and asked for continued privacy.
“Bonnie’s family continue to ask for privacy and promise that we will issue further updates as soon as there are significant developments to share,” the statement said.
A Long and Active Career
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler rose to prominence in 1976 with the song “Lost in France” and became an international star in the 1980s with hits including “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”
She remained popular in Europe through the 1990s and represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 with “Believe in Me.” In recent years, she has continued touring and was in the midst of her Jubilee Tour, marking 50 years in the music industry.
In an interview with The Times in January 2025, Tyler said touring remained central to her life. She described herself as a working-class woman who never stopped performing and said staying active on stage was a source of pride.
Enduring Legacy
Although many of her best-known songs were released decades ago, they continue to resonate with new audiences. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” frequently resurfaces during solar and lunar eclipses, becoming a recurring pop culture reference.
Tyler told “Good Morning America” in April 2024 that she still felt excited hearing the song played during eclipse events and said she never tired of performing it.
Personal Life
Tyler has been married to Robert Sullivan, a former Olympic judo competitor and real estate developer, since July 1973. The couple do not have children and divide their time between homes in Wales and Portugal.
Her team said further updates on her condition will be shared when appropriate.
FAQs
Is Bonnie Tyler out of her coma?
Yes, her team says she has woken up but remains very ill.
Where is Bonnie Tyler hospitalized?
She is receiving treatment in a hospital in Portugal.
What caused her hospitalization?
She suffered cardiac arrest and required emergency care.
Are her concerts canceled?
Upcoming shows are canceled while she recovers.
How long has Bonnie Tyler been married?
She has been married to Robert Sullivan since 1973.
