'Heartbroken' Catherine Zeta-Jones leads tributes to singer Bonnie Tyler
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits like 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at age 75.
- Her family announced her "unexpected" death on Wednesday night in a Portugal hospital following an illness.
- Tributes have poured in from celebrities including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Shakin' Stevens, Sir Cliff Richard, and Prince William.
The music world is mourning the loss of Welsh powerhouse singer Bonnie Tyler, who died "unexpectedly" on Wednesday night at the age of 75. Tyler, celebrated for her distinctive raspy voice and iconic hits such as "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out for a Hero," passed away in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated for an illness.
Our Queen Bonnie….. you were such a part of my life.
Her family released a "heartbroken" statement via her official website, confirming the news. "As a result of the illness that she was being treated for," the statement read, "she passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night."
Tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is related to Tyler's husband of over 50 years, Robert Sullivan, shared her grief on Instagram. "Our Queen Bonnie….. you were such a part of my life," Zeta-Jones wrote, also remembering Tyler as "one of the funniest people I ever met."
A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady.
Fellow Welsh artist Shakin' Stevens called Tyler a "true professional, and a bright, shining light" who "loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same." The Prince of Wales honored her as a "proud Welsh icon," stating her "extraordinary voice and unforgettable music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come." He concluded his tribute with "Diolch am y gerddoriaeth," Welsh for "Thank you for the music."
She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same.
Other notable figures, including Sir Cliff Richard and rock star Bryan Adams, also paid their respects. Sir Cliff described Tyler as "another wonderful friend gone too soon" with an "infectious zest for life." Bryan Adams expressed gratitude for her "beautiful version" of his track "Straight from the Heart." Rod Stewart honored her by performing her hit "It's a Heartache."
Her extraordinary voice and unforgettable music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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