Bonnie Tyler’s heartbreaking final TV interview resurfaces after her death
The Welsh music legend reflected on her career, touring plans and enduring love of performing during what became her final television interview, just months before her death following complications after emergency surgery.
Bonnie Tyler told how she could not wait to get back on the road in what would become her final television interview.
The late singer made the remarks months before she died aged 75 following complications after emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry, with fellow artists and fans remembering the unmistakable voice behind Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero and It’s a Heartache.
Bonnie, 75, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, appeared on ITV’s Lorraine in February to reflect on a career spanning more than five decades.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, she looked ahead to a run of UK concerts, including dates in Manchester, London and Cardiff, and dismissed suggestions she might be considering retirement.
The interview has taken on added poignancy following Bonnie’s death, which her family confirmed in a statement after she had spent weeks in intensive care in Portugal.
Bonnie had undergone emergency surgery for a perforated intestine before being placed in an induced coma, later regaining consciousness in June before suffering further complications.
Asked by Lorraine whether she would ever “slow down”, Bonnie said: “I often say next year I’ll slow down… but I love what I do.”
She added: “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.”
The interview also saw Bonnie laugh about the enduring popularity of Total Eclipse of the Heart, after the Jim Steinman-penned anthem surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
Lorraine said: “Total Eclipse 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.”
Bonnie replied: “I didn’t write the song… I’m just the singer you know!”
The singer’s comments came before a dramatic deterioration in her health.
Bonnie was admitted to hospital in Faro, Portugal, after suffering a perforated intestine and was later placed into an induced coma as doctors attempted to aid her recovery.
Her family announced in June she had regained consciousness but remained critically ill in intensive care.
They confirmed on Wednesday (08.07.26) she had died following the illness for which she had been receiving treatment.
A statement published on Bonnie’s official website said: “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 became one of Britain’s defining rock voices after achieving international success with It’s a Heartache before reaching global superstardom with Total Eclipse of the Heart in 1983.
She also recorded Holding Out for a Hero, which has enjoyed repeated revivals through film, television and streaming, introducing her music to new generations of listeners.
Bonnie later represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and was appointed an MBE for services to music in 2023.
Despite her illness, Bonnie remained committed to performing.
Her final public appearance came at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in March, while a number of UK and European tour dates were postponed or cancelled as her condition worsened.
Among those paying tribute was Sir Cliff Richard, who wrote on Facebook: “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.”
