Bonnie Tyler was reportedly placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix while in Portugal, according to a close friend of the star.
The 74-year-old singer is reportedly recovering in intensive care as doctors treat complications from the infection.
The health crisis comes just months before Bonnie Tyler begins a major European tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her hit “Lost in France.”
Bonnie Tyler’s Friend Provides Update on Her Condition Following Reports of Induced Coma
Bonnie Tyler was reportedly placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix while in Portugal.
According to the Expressthe 74-year-old singer began experiencing severe abdominal pain shortly after arriving in the Algarve, where she has a house.
Family friend and businessman Liberto Mealha said Tyler had previously undergone medical tests in London after feeling unwell at a concert, but doctors would not have been able to identify the problem at that time.
After his return to Portugal, his condition worsened in a few days. Mealha claimed Tyler was first taken to a private hospital before being rushed to Faro Hospital when doctors discovered her appendix had burst, requiring immediate surgery.
Tyler, best known for hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” is currently being treated in intensive care. Her spokesperson later confirmed she had been placed in an induced coma to “help her recover” after the procedure.
Bonnie Tyler reportedly battled infection after emergency surgery
Portuguese point of sale Correio da Manhã reported that the singer is also battling a widespread infection and is receiving powerful antibiotics after the emergency surgery.
According to the singer’s friend, Mealha, Tyler’s husband, Robert Sullivan, stayed by her side throughout the ordeal, only leaving the hospital to rest at night.
He reportedly praised the medical team treating the singer, saying that “he is very grateful to the doctors and nurses at Faro Hospital and believes that if Bonnie had stayed in the UK she would no longer be here.”
News of Tyler’s hospitalization first surfaced earlier this week when her representatives confirmed she had undergone emergency bowel surgery.
At the time, her team said the surgery went well and she was recovering. A later statement revealed that her doctors decided to place her in an induced coma as part of her treatment plan while she continues to recover from complications related to the ruptured appendix.
Bonnie Tyler’s Historic Career: From Club Singer to Music Icon
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler grew up in a council house in Neath before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rock music.
She was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell while performing at a club in Swansea, leading to the release of her first single, Lost in France, in 1977.
She rose to worldwide fame in 1983 with “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, a chart-topping anthem that topped the British and American charts.
More than four decades later, the song has surpassed 1 billion plays on Spotify, cementing its legacy as one of the defining hits of the era.
Her success also earned her Grammy nominations for “Faster Than the Speed of Night,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Here She Comes.”
In 2013, Tyler represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 and in 2023 she received an MBE in recognition of her contributions to music.
Bonnie Tyler congratulated by fellow stars after emergency surgery
The Grammy-nominated star was gearing up for a major European tour later this year, celebrating 50 years since the release of “Lost in France,” which became a hit on the European charts.
Tyler was due to perform in Malta and Germany later this month, with additional dates planned in the UK, Austria, Hungary, Turkey and Romania as part of the anniversary run.
Other 1980s music stars have since sent words of encouragement to the singer, with Katrina Leskanich writing: “Dear Bonnie. Get well soon and get back to great health! We love you.”
Meanwhile, disco legend Gloria Gaynor added: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bonnie! »
Fans wish singer a speedy recovery from health scare
Fans from around the world flooded Tyler’s Facebook page with their support, leaving more than 2,000 messages wishing him a speedy recovery.
One person wrote: “Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Bonnie. We’re all supporting you.”
Another wrote: “Get well, Bonnie. I hope you come out of the coma, my love,” while a third noted: “PLEASE GET BETTER, we are with you.”
Another person commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bonnie Tyler. Your music has been a part of my life for many years and I pray for your health and strength. I hope to see you back on stage soon. God bless you always.”