Bonnie Tyler’s husband leads HEARTBREAKING farewell as family gathers for singer’s funeral in Swansea
Bonnie Tyler’s family gathered in Swansea for an emotional funeral as her husband of 53 years, Robert Sullivan, led mourners in saying goodbye to the Welsh music legend.
The singer, whose real name was Gaynor Sullivan, died last month at the age of 75 after suffering serious health complications following emergency intestinal surgery.
Bonnie Tyler’s family gathered for the star’s funeral at Swansea Minster on Monday, following her death in July
Her husband, property developer 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 Robert, who were married for 53 years
Her long-time manager Matthew Davis and Roger Bell, the talent scout who discovered the Bonnie in a club in Swansea, shared tributes at the funeral
Bonnie passed away in hospital in Faro, Portugal, close to the Algarve home she shared with Robert, before being returned to Wales for her final farewell.
Robert walked just behind his wife’s coffin as it was carried into Swansea Minster, where relatives, friends and figures from Bonnie’s long career came together for a celebration of her life.
The Reverend placed a comforting hand on Robert Sullivan’s shoulder as he leaves Swansea Minster
The funeral car arrived with flowers spelling out the star’s name, who was born Gaynor Hopkins
Her hearse arrived surrounded by striking floral tributes, including flowers spelling out her name.
Another arrangement, provided by nephews and other relatives, carried the title of her 1983 global hit Total Eclipse Of The Heart.
The order of service featured a black-and-white photograph of Bonnie and described her as a warm and generous performer whose music had touched generations.
The group followed the coffin into the church as the star’s family requested donations to two charities Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru in lieu of flowers
Bonnie Tyler’s pallbearers held back tears while walking in to Swansea Minster carrying her coffin
Ahead of Monday’s ceremony, a flower tribute 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
Bonnie pictured in the The Russell Harty Show in 1977
A photograph of Bonnie and Robert together appeared on the back.
The service was conducted by the Rev Canon Justin Davies and began with two of Bonnie’s songs, If I Sing You A Love Song and It’s A Heartache.
Welsh choir Only Men Aloud performed Bridge Over Troubled Water and Total Eclipse Of The Heart, while Mary Hopkin’s Those Were The Days was also played.
Bonnie’s longtime manager Matthew Davis and Roger Bell, the talent scout who discovered her performing in a Swansea club in the 1970s, both delivered tributes.
Roger remembered Bonnie as somebody who always spoke her mind and made sure people knew exactly where they stood with her.
Among the most emotional tributes were handwritten messages from members of her family.
Her nephews James and Josh wrote of their heartbreak at losing their aunt and promised they would love her forever.
Another message came from nephew Christopher, who said Bonnie had effectively been a mother to him during the years they lived together.
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
Mourners including family members walked inside the church which was located in front of Primark
Bonnie was first admitted to hospital in May because of complications caused by a burst appendix and perforated intestine that required urgent surgery
Ahead of the procession on Saturday afternoon, fans began gathering near to Fernhill, with many leaving flowers outside along the wall
More notes were left from her family, One note was addressed to ‘Aunt Gaynor/Mum’ with her nephew Christopher stating she ‘was a mum to me in so many way’
A floral tribute was laid by Bonnie’s sister Avis
Bonnie never had children of her own after suffering a miscarriage at the age of 39, making the words especially poignant.
The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Penny Matthews, also attended the service to pay respects.
Bonnie’s family requested that members of the public donate to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru instead of sending flowers.
The funeral came two days after hundreds of fans lined the streets of Mumbles as Bonnie’s coffin was brought home.
Crowds applauded, threw flowers onto the hearse and sang Total Eclipse Of The Heart as the procession passed through the town.
Bonnie had been admitted to hospital in May after complications from a burst appendix and perforated intestine required urgent surgery.
Her final public concert took place at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London in March, and she had been preparing for another European tour later in the year.
After releasing her first single Lost In France in 1976, Bonnie enjoyed a career spanning almost five decades, producing hits including Holding Out For A Hero and Total Eclipse Of The Heart.
But at Swansea Minster, the focus was not simply on the records, awards or international fame.
It was on Gaynor — a wife, sister, aunt and friend — whose family gathered around Robert to say goodbye after more than half a century by his side.