CELEBRITIES such as Catherine Zeta Jones, Sir Cliff Richard and Vernon Kay have led tributes to Bonnie Tyler following the sad news of her death.

It was confirmed today that the legendary Welsh singer died aged 75 just weeks after surviving emergency surgery and a coma in Portugal.

 

The Mask of Zorro actress Catherine said her “heart is broken” over Bonnie’s death, with the actress related to Bonnie via marriage.

Bonnie’s husband, Robert Sullivan, is the first cousin of Catherine’s father, David.

Sharing a picture with Bonnie, Catherine wrote: “My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away. Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life.

“We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. She sang and rocked it at my wedding. An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. 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. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family. God Bless”.

Sir Cliff took to Facebook to express his sadness, after several years of friendship and musical collaborations with Bonnie.

Sharing a picture with the late star, he wrote: “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”.

Vernon Kay also spoke of the sad news while fronting his BBC Radio 2 show on Thursday morning.

Playing her iconic track Holding Out For A Hero, Vernon said: “Sad news that Bonnie Tyler has passed, so from us on mid-mornings on BBC Radio 2 and everyone on Radio 2, our thoughts are with her family.”

Carol Vorderman shared an emotional Instagram video to pay tribute to Bonnie – dubbing her ‘extraordinary’.

“I met her a number of times, she’s very real. She was always laughing, was asking questions, always having a good time. it’s difficult to explain if you don’t live in Wales, but she represented something for us,” said Carol.

In her lengthy caption, Carol added: “Wales will miss you deeply Bonnie Tyler,” adding that she was taken “way too soon”.

Actress Bonnie Langford described the singer’s death as “so sad”, while Nicole Appleton shared an old picture of Bonnie and wrote: “Bonnie R.I.P”.

Meanwhile, Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones halted the BBC show on Thursday morning to share the sad news.

He said on screen: “I met Bonnie a few years ago during the Queen’s Jubilee in Swansea.

“She walked out and everyone just stopped. She had the most infectious, energetic personality, when it just lifts everyone.”

Singer Bryan Adams shared a tweet for Bonnie as he penned: “Dear Bonnie Tyler passed today, she had such a great voice and I’ll always be grateful of her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie. RIP”.

Welsh First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said how the country has “lost a great icon” in a tribute to Bonnie.

He wrote to X: “I am very sorry to hear about Bonnie Tyler’s death. Wales has lost one of its greatest icons, who brought joy to audiences around the world through her music. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family, her friends, and her fans”.

Back in April, Bonnie was rushed to hospital with a perforated intestine and underwent surgery before being placed into an induced coma.

A spokesman for the iconic singer issued a health update on May 6, reporting that the surgery had gone well.

The singer was then rushed from an intermediate care unit to an intensive care ward due to complications, but later woke from the coma on June 15.

However, a statement published on the singer’s website today confirmed the legendary singer passed away last night as a result of the illness.

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.”

Bonnie shot to global fame in 1983 with her chart-topping anthem Total Eclipse Of The Heart.

She would then achieve four more top ten hits including It’s A Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero.