Figure caption, Watch: A look back at Bonnie Tyler's career from Swansea to superstardom
Oscar-winning actress and Wednesday star Catherine Zeta-Jones has led the tributes to singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, who has died at the age of 75.
The popular Welsh powerhouse singer died "unexpectedly" on Wednesday night at a Portugal hospital, "as a result of the illness that she was being treated for", her family said in a "heartbroken" statement released on the star's official website , external .
Zeta-Jones paid her respects on Instagram , external , saying her heart was "broken" with the news that "our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away".
Tyler is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan, who is Zeta-Jones's cousin.
Image source, Getty Images Live coverage: Powerhouse singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75
The Chicago movie star, who shared a photograph of herself with the singer, continued: "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."
Back in 2000, Zeta-Jones asked Tyler to sing Total Eclipse of the Heart at her wedding to fellow film star Michael Douglas in New York.
Writing on the late singer's Instagram page , external , Zeta-Jones also commented: "Our Queen Bonnie….. you were such a part of my life."
Tyler's fellow Welsh pop-rock star Shakin' Stevens called her , external "a true professional, and a bright, shining light".
He posted on X: "She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same."
The Prince of Wales described Tyler as a "proud Welsh icon".
"Her extraordinary voice and unforgettable music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come," he said.
Prince William signed off his statement with "Diolch am y gerddoriaeth" - Welsh for thank you for the music.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Catherine Zeta-Jones is related to Bonnie Tyler's husband
Sir Cliff Richard said he was mourning "another wonderful friend gone too soon".
"Bonnie's infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world," he wrote on social media, describing her as "a good friend to all, including me".
Rock star Bryan Adams wrote on X that Tyler "had such a great voice", adding he would "always be grateful of her beautiful version" of his track, Straight from the Heart; while Rod Stewart paid tribute by performing Tyler's It's a Heartache at an event in Gleneagles.
In May, Tyler, from Skewen in south Wales, was placed into an induced coma after having emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal.
Last month, her spokesperson said she was out of the coma but remained "very unwell and in intensive care".
The official family statement, released on Thursday morning, continued: "We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."
A Downing Street spokesman said UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was "saddened" to hear about the death of "one of Britain's greatest recording artists".
Describing Tyler as an "iconic figure", he stressed "she leaves behind a catalogue of music... which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths."
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the First Minister of Wales called the singer a "true icon", while Welsh Secretary Jo…