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 said to be recovering in intensive care as doctors treat complications from the infection.
The health scare comes just months before Bonnie Tyler was set to begin a major European tour celebrating 50 years since her breakthrough hit, “Lost in France.”
Bonnie Tyler’s Friend Gives Update On Her Condition Following Induced Coma Reports
Bonnie Tyler has reportedly been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix while in Portugal.
According to the Express, the 74-year-old singer began experiencing severe abdominal pain shortly after arriving in the Algarve, where she owns a home.
Family friend and businessman Liberto Mealha said Tyler had previously undergone medical tests in London after feeling unwell during a concert, but doctors were reportedly unable to identify the problem at the time.
After traveling back to Portugal, her condition allegedly worsened within days. Mealha claimed Tyler was initially taken to a private hospital before being urgently transferred 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 “aid her recovery” following the procedure.
Bonnie Tyler Reportedly Battling Infection Following Emergency Surgery
Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã reported that the singer is also battling a generalized infection and is receiving strong antibiotics after the emergency operation.
According to the singer’s pal, Mealha, Tyler’s husband, Robert Sullivan, has remained by her side throughout the ordeal, leaving the hospital only to rest at night.
He reportedly praised the medical team treating the singer, saying that “he’s very grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Faro hospital and believes that if Bonnie had stayed in the United Kingdom, she would no longer be here.”
News of Tyler’s hospitalization first surfaced earlier this week when her representatives confirmed she had undergone emergency intestinal surgery.
At the time, her team said the operation had gone well and that she was recovering. A later statement revealed her doctors decided to place her in an induced coma as part of her treatment plan while she continues to recover from complications linked to the ruptured appendix.
Bonnie Tyler’s Storied Career: From Club Singer To Music Icon
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler grew up in a council home in Neath before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rock music.
She was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell while performing in a Swansea club, leading to the release of her debut single, Lost in France, in 1977.
She achieved worldwide stardom in 1983 with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” a chart-topping anthem that dominated both the UK and US charts.
More than four decades later, the song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, cementing its legacy as one of the era’s defining hits.
Her success also earned Grammy nominations for “Faster Than the Speed of Night,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Here She Comes.”
In 2013, Tyler represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, and in 2023, she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contributions to music.
Bonnie Tyler Praised By Fellow Stars Following Emergency Operation
The Grammy-nominated star had been preparing for a major European tour later this year, celebrating 50 years since the release of “Lost in France,” which became a chart success across Europe.
Tyler was scheduled to perform in Malta and Germany later this month, with additional dates planned throughout the UK, Austria, Hungary, Turkey, and Romania as part of the anniversary run.
Fellow music stars from the 1980s have since sent words of encouragement to the singer, with Katrina Leskanich writing: “Dearest Bonnie. Make a speedy recovery and come back rocking! We love you.”
Meanwhile, disco legend Gloria Gaynor added: “Wishing you a swift recovery, Bonnie!”
Fans Wish The Singer A Speedy Recovery After Her Health Scare
Fans from around the world have flooded Tyler’s Facebook page with support, leaving more than 2,000 messages wishing her a quick recovery.
One individual wrote, “Wishing you all the very best in your recovery, Bonnie. We are all rooting for you.”
Another wrote, “Get well, Bonnie. Hope you make it out of the coma, love,” while a third noted, “PLEASE GET BETTER, we are with you.”
One more person commented, “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bonnie Tyler. Your music has been part of my life for many years, and I’m praying for your health and strength. Hope to see you back on stage soon. God bless you always.”