Pop Culture
Johnny Knoxville Pays Tribute to Bonnie Tyler: ‘Thanks for Letting Your Music Be a Part of ‘Jackass’
As fans mourn Bonnie Tyler’s unexpected death, Johnny Knoxville and his Hollywood peers look back on the power-ballad queen whose hits soundtracked movies, TV, and more
ByBernadette Giacomazzo
July 9, 2026
Johnny Knoxville is remembering Bonnie Tyler the way millions of fans knew her best—through the larger-than-life songs that became woven into pop culture. Hours after news broke that the Welsh music icon had died at 75, the Jackass star shared a simple tribute that highlighted just how far Tyler’s music reached beyond the charts
“Bonnie Tyler, thanks for letting ur music be a part of Jackass. R.I.P.,” Knoxville wrote on his Instagram Stories, referencing Tyler’s 1984 anthem “Holding Out for a Hero,” which was featured in Jackass: Best for Last
Originally recorded for the 1984 blockbuster Footloose, “Holding Out for a Hero” is a Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford-written anthem that quickly became one of Tyler’s defining hits before appearing everywhere from Shrek 2 and Old School to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Loki, Euphoria, Guardians of the Galaxy promotional campaigns, and countless commercials and television shows
Other stars also reflected on Tyler’s legacy. Fellow Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones revealed the singer held a deeply personal place in her family’s life, sharing a photograph of the two together and recalling that Tyler performed at her 2000 wedding to Michael Douglas
Calling her “an extraordinary woman with vocals to match,” Zeta-Jones thanked Tyler “for the joy you brought so many” before adding, “Sleep tight, beautiful lady.”
The wave of tributes followed confirmation from Tyler’s family that the singer had died unexpectedly in a hospital in Portugal. “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,” a statement posted to her official website said
Representatives added that another statement would follow but asked for privacy as the family dealt with the loss
Tyler’s death came after months of serious health complications. In May, she underwent emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal before doctors placed her in a medically induced coma to aid her recovery
Last month, representatives announced she had emerged from the coma but remained “very unwell” in intensive care, while doctors continued to express confidence that she could recover
Her worsening condition forced the cancellation of her remaining summer tour dates, including festival appearances across the U.K. and Europe
For generations of fans, Tyler’s legacy begins with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” but it hardly ends there. The Welsh singer, born Gaynor Hopkins, built a career spanning nearly five decades with hits including “It’s a Heartache,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man).”
She represented the U.K. at Eurovision in 2013, received an MBE for services to music in 2023, and even celebrated “Total Eclipse of the Heart” surpassing one billion Spotify streams earlier this year
Related Stories
pop-culture
‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ Singer Bonnie Tyler Out of Coma, Still in Intensive Care
Inside the emergency surgery, ICU stay, and slow road to recovery facing the 75-year-old pop icon in Portugal
Bernadette Giacomazzo23 days ago
pop-culture
‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ Icon Bonnie Tyler Is in a Medically Induced Coma
Inside the medical scare that disrupted Bonnie Tyler’s 2026 tour plans and left the ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ legend recovering after emergency surgery
Bernadette Giacomazzo62 days ago
music
Boyz II Men, E-40, and Jordin Sparks Join SeaWorld’s 2026 Concert Lineup
The 2026 SeaWorld Concert Series lineup includes something for everyone, with The Beach Boys, Fitz & The Tantrums, and Flo Rida also featured
Bernadette Giacomazzo163 days ago
Trending
1BetsThe 30 Best Dodgers of All Time, Ranked
2SportsSpurs Fire Play-by-Play Announcer Jacob Tobey After Accusations of Affair With Player’s Sister
3SneakersBest Air Jordan 7s of All Time, Ranked
4SneakersHow to Buy the Bape x Vans Knu Skool Collabs
5MusicBoosie Badazz Calls Out Jay-Z Over Alleged Child in New Song: ‘That Child Look Just Like You’
6SneakersBest Sneakers to Buy on Sale: July 2026
Editor’s Pick
MusicThe Best Albums Of 2026 (So Far)
StyleHow to Style Soccer Jerseys
MusicThe 15 Best Rap Verses Of 2026 (So Far)
MusicHip-Hop Media Power Ranking: The 2026 Edition
SneakersEvery Air Jordan Releasing in 2026
