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The obituary notice of Gaynor SULLIVAN MBE (Bonnie Tyler)

Mumbles Hill | Published in: South Wales Evening Post. Notable areas: Skewen (Sgiwen), Swansea (Abertawe)

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GaynorSULLIVAN MBEGaynor passed away tragically on 8th July 2026 at hospital in Portugal, aged 75.

Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen on 8th June 1951, she was known professionally as Bonnie Tyler, a beloved Welsh singer whose powerful voice defined classics like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out for a Hero".

She rose from local club performances to global fame, earning an MBE, Grammy nominations, and a place in music history with her iconic raspy vocals and unforgettable ballads. She is remembered as a warm, generous artist whose music touched generations and continues to fill dance floors and karaoke booths around the world.

She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, her beloved Robert. Gaynor was a dear sister of Marlene, Angela, Avis, Paul and the late Pauline and Lynn, much loved sister-in-law of Paul & Angela, Michael & Winnie, Gwyn, Jan, Teresa, Margaret and the late Billy. A devoted and wonderful 'Aunty Gaynor' to all her nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The cherished daughter of the late Glyndwr and Elsie Hopkins.

Resting at William Pressdee Funeralcare, Mumbles until she returns to her home, Fernhill, on Saturday 15th August at 3.30pm - those who wish to pay their respects are invited to line Newton Road, Mumbles from 3.15pm.

A Celebration of Gaynor's life will be held at Swansea Minster (St. Mary's Church) on Monday 17th August at 12noon.

Gaynor will then return to her 'hometown', and travel through Skewen at approximately 1.20pm en route to a private family service of committal and farewell.

Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations in support of two charities of which Gaynor was a patron: Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, or to Cerebral Palsy Cymru, 1 The Courtyard, 73 Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5DX

Donations may also be made via the online version of this notice at funeral-notices.co.uk

Her legacy lives on in the timeless songs that made her a legend.
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Published: 17/07/2026
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Meine liebe Bonnie / Gaynor
ich kann es immer noch nicht fassen, dass du nicht mehr unter uns bist. Vermisse dich so sehr.
Du begleitest mich mit deiner wundervollen Stimme und deinen supertollen Songs schon seit über 50 Jahren, in allen meinen Lebensphasen. Finde es auch so toll, dass du trotz deines Weltruhms so bodenständig, lustig und hilfsbereit geblieben bist. Du warst einfach SUPER
Wir hatten etwas gemeinsam, die Angst seit der Kindheit vor Wasser. Ich wäre im Alter von 8 Jahren auch fast ertrunken, so dass ich bis heute mit fast 69 Jahren immer noch nicht schwimmen kann. Du hast den Mut mit 69 Jahren aufgebracht, um Schwimmen zu lernen. Ich finde deinen Mut einfach super.
Aber wie hast du mal in einem Interview gesagt:
Dein Lebensmotto ist
Glaube an dich selbst. Wenn du es nicht tust, wird es auch sonst kein anderer tun. Das hat dir als Kind schon deine Mutter eingebläut.
Ja, da muss ich dir vollkommen Recht geben. Dieser Satz von dir, hat mir in meinem Leben auch sehr weitergeholfen.
Du warst oft bei Florian, auch in der Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, leider habe ich es nie geschafft dort hinzukommen, was ich jetzt leider sehr bereue.
Schade, dass wir uns nie persönlich kennen gelernt haben, es wäre bestimmt lustig geworden.
Danke für deine wundervolle Musik, sie wird immer weiter Leben. Du wirst immer in meinem Herzen sein. Ich werde dich nie vergessen.
Nun bist du bei den Engeln.
Ruhe in Frieden. Ich liebe dich. Angelika

Mein tiefstes Beileid auch an deinem Ehemann und deine famiie
Angelika Durban
21/07/2026
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Angelika Durban
21/07/2026
Although you were never as widely known in the Netherlands as you were throughout the rest of Europe, Total Eclipse of the Heart was nevertheless a remarkable success here. Since 1999, the song has consistently ranked high in the annual Top 2000, the prestigious Dutch year-end chart voted for by music lovers across the country.
May you rest in eternal peace. Yet your music will live on forever—transcending generations, touching hearts, and ensuring that your voice will never be forgotten.
Gerard S. Bloemhof
21/07/2026
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Gerard S. Bloemhof
21/07/2026
Our Gaynor has left this work.She will be missed by many. Many.
She also always in our heart
Rip Gaynor
Daniele M Fromant
Daniele M Fromant
21/07/2026
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Daniele M Fromant
21/07/2026
Hi, I'm from Mexico and even though I'm 14 years old and never met her in person, I loved her music and honestly, when I heard the news of her death I couldn't believe it and I was stunned. Rest in peace, Bonnie Tyler
Santiago
21/07/2026
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Santiago
21/07/2026
Tribute photo for Gaynor SULLIVAN MBE
MARGARET MYERS
21/07/2026
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MARGARET MYERS
21/07/2026