Bonnie Tyler has recovered from coma but remains ‘very unwell’ after emergency surgery

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has recovered from an induced coma following emergency surgery in Portugal, but remains in intensive care and is still considered “very unwell”.

The 75-year-old artist, known for his 1983 smash hit Total Eclipse of the Heart, was rushed to a Faro hospital in May after undergoing emergency bowel surgery. Doctors placed Tyler in a coma to help him recover.

In a statement shared on their official website, Tyler’s team confirmed that his condition is gradually improving.

“Although Bonnie is no longer in a coma, she remains unwell and is receiving intensive care in a hospital in Portugal,” the statement said. “Her condition is improving, but the process is slow,” the statement said, adding that Tyler’s doctors remain optimistic about her recovery despite what is expected to be a long period of rehabilitation.

“Doctors are confident she will recover well, but it will take time.”

As a result of his ongoing recovery, Tyler’s scheduled summer tour dates will be postponed or canceled. Her team said there was still hope that some of her fall performances might still go ahead, depending on her health.

“We apologize to Bonnie’s fans and promoter partners for any disappointment this incident may have caused, and we trust that they will understand and cooperate with us in this difficult situation,” the statement continued. “I look forward to seeing you next year instead.”

Representatives also thanked fans around the world for their support, saying they are aware of the messages Tyler has received and appreciate the well wishes.

Born Gaynor Hopkins in Neath, Wales, Tyler rose to international fame in the late 1970s and 1980s. After first breaking out in 1977 with “Lost in France,” she achieved global superstar status with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and became one of the defining power ballads of the decade.

The song continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, and more than 40 years after its release, it still has over 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Tyler has received multiple Grammy nominations throughout his career and in 2013 represented Great Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. In 2023, he was appointed MBE for his contribution to music.