Bonnie Tyler has woken up from a medically induced coma after a frightening five-week health battle that left those close to her deeply worried.
The 75-year-old Welsh singer, best known for her iconic hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” had been hospitalized in Faro, Portugal, where she owns a home, after suffering a serious medical emergency.
Tyler was initially admitted for emergency intestinal surgery, according to a statement previously posted on her website.
“We are very sorry to announce that Bonnie has been admitted to hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she has a home, for emergency intestinal surgery,” the statement read. “The surgery went well, and she is now recuperating.”
The statement added that her family, friends, and fans would no doubt be concerned and wishing her a “full and swift recovery.”
But her condition reportedly became more serious after doctors placed her into a medically induced coma. Reports said Tyler went into cardiac arrest during surgery, prompting doctors to keep her sedated as part of her treatment.
A representative has now confirmed that Tyler is awake, though she remains seriously ill.
“Bonnie is no longer in a coma, but remains seriously ill,” the rep told the Daily Star.
She is reportedly still in intensive care, but doctors are said to be optimistic that she will make a full recovery.
When Tyler was first placed in the coma, her team asked fans for privacy.
“We know that you all wish her well and ask for privacy at this difficult time, please,” a spokesperson said at the time. “We will issue a further statement when we are able to.”
The sudden health crisis came as a shock to those close to the singer, who had reportedly been in good spirits and still discussing future performances.
One insider said Tyler’s friends were shaken by how quickly the situation unfolded.
“Bonnie has always been incredibly resilient and energetic, so to hear she has been placed into a coma has frightened a lot of people around her,” the source said. “Everyone is hoping this is purely precautionary and that she pulls through quickly.”
Another source said the emergency came “very suddenly,” adding that Tyler had recently been talking about getting back onstage.
The health scare forced Tyler to cancel concerts through the end of August. At this point, her October and November shows have not reportedly been affected.
Tyler has dealt with health issues before, including problems with her knees, but she has long insisted she has no plans to stop performing.
She previously said she still loves being onstage with her band and works to stay healthy while touring.
“I’m still rocking on that stage with my wonderful band, and if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything,” she told the Mirror. “I do home Pilates, only 20 minutes a day — it’s something I can do in my hotel rooms.”
The singer also made it clear that retirement is not part of her plan.
“I started singing when I was 17, and I never thought I’d still be doing it at this age,” she said. “I’ve slowed down a little bit, but I know now that I will never retire.”