Thousands fill streets to say goodbye to beloved singer who died at 75

EntertainmentFans of singer Bonnie Tyler line the streets as her coffin is transported in a hearse back to her former home ahead of her funeral, in Mumbles, Wales, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. The Total Eclipse Of The Heart musician, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, died in hospital in Portugal on July 8 at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)AP Photo/Alastair GrantThousands of mourners lined the streets of Wales on last week as the coffin of singer Bonnie Tyler returned home from Spain, creating an emotional farewell for the pop icon who died July 8 at age 75.The hearse traveled slowly through a local village as supporters tossed flowers onto the vehicle, according to Page Six. The driver rolled down the back window to reveal a photograph of Tyler and her coffin draped in a Welsh flag. Fans also placed floral tributes outside the singer’s home.“She was always coming home and making sure that she came back to her fans in Wales,” one fan told the Associated Press. “Her songs really did touch a lot of people here in Wales; we loved her a lot.”Tyler, born Gaynor Sullivan, passed away at a hospital in Portugal while receiving treatment for an illness. An official cause of death has not been released.The three-time Grammy nominee was best known for hits including “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”Tyler had been battling health issues since April, when she underwent emergency intestinal surgery in Faro, Portugal, Page Six reports. She was later placed in a medically induced coma to assist her recovery. Tyler’s spokesperson described her passing as a “tragedy” and requested privacy following the death.In March, just weeks before her hospitalization, Tyler spoke to Hello! Magazine about her health and passion for performing.“I’m fit enough at the moment, touch wood, and I’m really enjoying doing the shows,” Tyler said. “I’m still rocking on that stage with my wonderful band, and if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.”She had been scheduled to begin a European tour in Malta in May before her health declined.Megan Sims is a viral reporter for cleveland.com and a Cleveland native. She covers topics ranging from celebrity news, national business news, social media and more. Previously, Megan covered various lifestyle...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.