rova

rova

Funeral service held for Bonnie Tyler

A blonde woman with red nails and heavy makeup is singing into a microphone, surrounded by flowers, against a light blue sky.

Published by Cover Media

18 Aug 2026

The funeral for singer Bonnie Tyler has taken place.

Thousands of fans gathered outside St Mary's Church in Swansea, Wales, on Monday for the midday service.

Applause broke out as the hearse carrying Tyler's body and a flower arrangement reading Bonnie arrived at the church, as people lined the streets to pay their respects.

The hour-long private service, attended by friends and family of the late star, was streamed online and shown live on a large screen at St David's Square, situated near the church.

Tyler's manager Matthew Davis delivered a moving eulogy, as did Roger Bell, the talent scout credited with discovering the singer - who was born Gaynor Hopkins.

"She was loved by millions worldwide, and has all the tributes, flowers, and cards from the Houses of Parliament, Prince and Princess of Wales, the Portuguese government, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Suzi Quatro, and many, many more fans," Bell shared.

"But in Swansea, she was loved by Robert and the family as Gaynor and Auntie Gaynor. There was a warmth and sincerity about her that shone through."

Choir Only Men Aloud - who collaborated with Tyler on several occasions - performed some of Tyler's greatest hits, including Total Eclipse of the Heart, during the service.

In his eulogy, Canon Justin Davies reflected on Tyler's modest upbringing in a council house in North Wales.

Mary Hopkin's song Those Were the Days was also played, with Canon Davies revealing Tyler had won £1 after performing the track in a competition when she was younger.

Tyler's husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan, was seen waving to fans as he left the service.

After the funeral, the hearse drove to Tyler's hometown of Skewen for a private family committal and farewell service.

Over the weekend, thousands gathered in Mumbles, Swansea, as Tyler's coffin, draped in a Welsh flag, was taken to her home.

The 75-year-old singer died on 8 July after being placed in a medically induced coma in a hospital in Portugal.

Published by Cover Media

18 Aug 2026