Iconic Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 following a months-long health battle that began after she underwent emergency surgery earlier this year. The music legend's family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared on her official website, revealing she died in hospital in Portugal. 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."
Although the statement did not specify the exact illness, Bonnie's health problems first emerged in May after she reportedly developed severe abdominal pain while staying at her home in the Algarve.
She was initially treated at a private hospital before being transferred to Faro Hospital, where doctors discovered her appendix had burst and she required emergency intestinal surgery.
According to family friend Liberto Mealha, the singer sought medical help after becoming seriously unwell while in Portugal.
Following the operation, Bonnie's condition became increasingly serious. She was placed into a medically induced coma to help her recovery as doctors treated complications linked to the surgery.
Reports in Portuguese media later claimed she suffered a cardiac arrest after the procedure and had to be resuscitated.
Earlier this month, her representatives confirmed she had been brought out of the induced coma but remained in intensive care and was still "very unwell".
Despite weeks of treatment, Bonnie sadly died in hospital.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, South Wales, Bonnie rose to international fame with hits including It's a Heartache, Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero.
She remained active in music throughout her life and had been due to embark on a European tour this year before her illness forced her to step away from performing.
Her family have said a further statement will be released in due course.
