Kevin Bacon Pays Tribute to Bonnie Tyler After ‘Footloose' Soundtrack Singer Dies on His Birthday

Kevin Bacon is remembering singer Bonnie Tyler, after the rock icon-who contributed to the Footloose soundtrack-died on the actor's birthday.

Her family revealed her tragic passing in a social media post on July 9, which is also Bacon's 68th birthday.

"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," they shared. "We will issue a further statement shortly, but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."

The singer's team previously confirmed she was placed into a medically-induced coma Faro, Portugal in early May, after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery. Though born in Wales, Tyler and Sullivan owned property in the area.

Bacon's Tribute to ‘Footlooose' Legend

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Bacon called Tyler "one of the great voices of rock." Referring to a memorable moment from the 1984 film, in which he starred, he added, "I could not imagine chicken racing a tractor to any other song. RIP."

After finding success in the UK in the late ‘70s, Tyler really broke out big with her 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart." The track was written and produced by Jim Steinman and became her greatest success.

She and Steinman then teamed up together again in 1984 for a song on the Footloose soundtrack, "Holding Out for a Hero," which would become the second-biggest hit of her career.

In addition to its place in ‘80s film history, the song was also famously used in Shrek 2, performed by Jennifer Saunders' Fairy Godmother. That soundtrack also featured a cover of the single by Frou Frou.

Bonnie Tyler's Health Issues

Tyler's team first revealed her condition on May 6, saying she had been admitted to a hospital in Portugal, where she has a home, for emergency intestinal surgery.

Initially, they said the surgery "went well" and she was recuperating. Then, on May 8, her website shared an update, saying she had "been put into an induced coma by her doctors to aid her recovery."

A few days later, on May 12, her team said her doctors remained "positive that she will make a full recovery," while saying she was still "seriously ill but stable." After that, her team warned fans about listening to the "many lurid and untrue rumours" online about her health, insisting additional updates could come when they became available.

Then, in a statement shared to Tyler's personal website on Monday, June 15, her "family and team" shared an update on "how she is progressing with her recovery."

"Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal," wrote her team. "Although her condition is improving it is a slow process. Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time."

A number of shows were canceled at that time.

"We apologise to all of Bonnie's fans and to our promoter partners for the disappointment that this will cause but trust that you will understand and bear with us in these difficult circumstances. We hope to see you next year instead," they added, thanking everyone for the "huge outpouring of love and support" amid her recovery.

"She is aware of, and very grateful for, your good wishes," the statement concluded. "Bonnie's family continue to ask for privacy and promise that we will issue further updates as soon as there are significant developments to share."

Sadly, her health didn't improve.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM.