Bonnie Tyler’s family came together on Monday to say their final goodbyes at Swansea Minster, where a funeral service was held for the Welsh music star following her death in July.
The singer, whose real name was Gaynor Taylor, died aged 75 at a hospital in Faro, Portugal, on July 8. Her death came months after she was placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
Tyler had been living in Albufeira, Portugal, with her husband, Robert Sullivan, before her body was brought back to the UK for her funeral and burial. Robert led the mourners at the service, walking closely behind the coffin.
Before the ceremony began on Monday, the hearse carrying the singer’s coffin was seen arriving at the church, accompanied by a large floral tribute spelling out her name.
A second floral arrangement, sent by her nephews and other relatives, was displayed outside Swansea Minster. The black-and-white tribute carried the title of Bonnie Tyler’s best-known hit, 1983’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart.
The order of service featured a striking black-and-white portrait of the singer and paid tribute to her enduring impact, reading: ‘She is remembered as a warm, generous artist whose music touched generations and continues to fill dance floors and karaoke booths around the world.’
On the back of the order of service was a photograph of Tyler with her husband, Robert.
Bonnie Tyler’s family gathered at Swansea Minster on Monday for the singer’s funeral following her death in July
Her husband Robert Sullivan led the mourners as they headed into the funeral
The back of the order of service featured a sweet picture of Bonnie and Richard
Her long-time manager Matthew Davis and Roger Bell, the talent scout who discovered the Bonnie in a club in Swansea, will share tributes
The funeral will be conducted by Reverend Canon Justin Davies, with the entry music two of her songs – 1978’s If I Sing You A Love Song and 1977’s It’s A Heartache.
Her long-time manager Matthew Davis and Roger Bell, the talent scout who discovered the Bonnie in a club in Swansea, will share tributes.
The star’s family have requested donations to two charities Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru in lieu of flowers.
A sweet note on the floral tribute read: ‘Dear Aunty Gaynor, I wish we weren’t writing this card and it breaks our hearts we will get to embrace you again. We loved you yesterday, we love you today and we will love you forever. James and Josh’.
On Saturday, fans sang as they gathered in her hometown in Wales on Saturday to pay tribute to the singer before her funeral.
Prior to Monday’s private family service, the memorial procession took place in Mumbles, Swansea, as she travelled to her home, Fernhill.
The funeral car arrived with flowers spelling out the star’s name
The group followed the coffin into the church
Ahead of Monday’s ceremony, a flower tribute provided by her nephews and other family members, was presented outside the church, with a black and white piece adorned with the title of most famous song – 1983’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart
A sweet note on the floral tribute read: ‘Dear Aunty Gaynor, I wish we weren’t writing this card and it breaks our hearts we will get to embrace you again. We loved you yesterday, we love you today and we will love you forever. James and Josh’
The funeral was conducted by Reverend Canon Justin Davies, who stood outside the church holding the order of service
Her coffin was adorned with white roses and lilies
The mourners gathered in masses ahead of the ceremony
A floral tribute was laid by Bonnie’s sister Avis
A statement released by William Pressdee Funeralcare on behalf of the singer’s family ahead of the procession said: ‘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.’
Referring to Bonnie by her birth name, Gaynor Hopkins, the statement added: ‘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.’
Ahead of the procession on Saturday afternoon, fans began gathering near to Fernhill, with many leaving flowers outside along the wall.
Bonnie was best known for her hits Total Eclipse Of The Heart and Holding Out For A Hero, and she had planned a new European tour which had been due to start later this year.
Two onlookers could not contain their emotions as they looked from behind barriers
The touching tribute was laid in front of the historic building
The family requested donations rather than floral tributes from fans but immediate family provided sweet tributes
On Saturday, fans sang as they gathered in her hometown in Wales on Saturday to pay tribute to the singer before her funeral
Another tribute came from more family, members with a note saying she was ‘taken too soon’
The statement said: ‘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.’
Bonnie was first admitted to hospital in May because of complications caused by a burst appendix and perforated intestine that required urgent surgery.
Her last public concert was in March, when she performed at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.
She released her first single Lost In France in 1976, and went on to have an almost 50-year-long career. Her biggest hit, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, came out in 1983.
At the time, Bonnie was the first Welsh person to reach number one in America.
