BONNIE Tyler told how she was looking forward to her upcoming tours in her heartbreaking last TV interview.
The legendary singer died aged 75 last night, just weeks after undergoing emergency surgery in Portugal, her family confirmed.
Bonnie opened up on her career with Lorraine Kelly Credit: Shutterstock
The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer told Lorraine she makes ‘nothing’ from the iconic hit Credit: Shutterstock
Bonnie, who was born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen near Neath, South Wales, opened up on her career with Lorraine Kelly on her eponymous ITV show.
Speaking in February, the Total Eclipse of the Heart singer jokingly told Lorraine, 66, she makes “nothing” from the iconic 80s hit.
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She spoke of her excitement at upcoming tours across the UK, including gigs in Manchester, London and Cardiff.
And when asked if she was ever going to “slow down”, Bonnie replied: “I often say next year I’ll slow down… but I love what I do.”
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She spoke of her excitement at upcoming tours across the UK Credit: Shutterstock
The last picture of Bonnie Tyler at her show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London Credit: mollyrobertsmusic/Instagram
When told by Lorraine she was looking “fantastic” for her age, Bonnie put it down to having a “wonderful life”.
She told the host: “I love what I do. The boys are great to be on the road with. We have a good time on the stage as well.
“You know, we have a lot of fun. I tell a lot of stories in between my songs… what they’re about and everything. I’ve had a wonderful life.”
And she shared a laugh with the ITV presenter over the royalties for her most iconic tune as it clocked a billion streams on Spotify.
Lorraine said: “Total Eclipse of of the Heart. Massive song. It’s used all the time.
“You see adverts all the time, you hear it all the time. It’s had a billion streams on Spotify.
“You think to yourself, “Oh, well, that’s great. Bonnie can sit back with her feet up’, but the Spotify thing… you don’t really get much.”
And Bonnie jokingly replied: “I didn’t write the song… I’m just the singer you know!”
Bonnie earned three Grammy Award nominations across her storied five decade-long career Credit: London Features International
She was awarded an MBE for service to music in 2023 Credit: Getty – Contributor
Two months after the interview, Bonnie was rushed to hospital in Portugal with a perforated intestine.
The singer was then placed in an induced coma after several days at Faro Hospital, before being taken to an intensive care ward.
She later woke from the coma on June 15, but reportedly suffered a serious infection after the operation.
And a statement published on the singer’s website confirmed Bonnie passed away last night following an illness.
It 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.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
Bonnie earned three Grammy Award nominations across her storied five decade-long career and was awarded an MBE for service to music in 2023.
She made her last public appearance at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where she performed to thousands of adoring fans, in March.
The 80s star was due to appear at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, but it was postponed until December.
She was also due to perform at the Jattvibeshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates.
Legends from across the music world paid tribute to the 80s icon this morning, including Sir Cliff Richard.
After several years of friendship and musical collaborations with Bonnie, Sir Cliff took to Facebook to express his sadness.
Sharing a picture with the late star, he wrote: “Another wonderful friend gone too soon.
“Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me.
“It is shocking news to wake up to you this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie…. Cliff”.
Carol Vorderman shared an emotional Instagram video to pay tribute to Bonnie – dubbing her “extraordinary”.
Tributes from devastated fans also flooded in for the iconic singer on social media.
One wrote: “Such sad news about Bonnie Tyler.
“She was always one of those ”what you see, is what you get” pop stars.
“The big voice, the big hair, big 80s production matched her personality – larger than life, yet down to earth.
“Farewell to one of Wales’ finest performers.”
Another said: “Thank you for you magnificent voice, the big smiles, the huge joy you have brought to us over the years. What a gift.”
