Tributes are pouring in for Sinéad O’Connor, who has died aged 56.
The sad news was confirmed by The Irish Times on Wednesday evening.
In a statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Sinead O’Connor, acclaimed Dublin singer, dies aged 56 https://t.co/00uq4SjSHr
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) July 26, 2023
The talented songstress, who shot to fame in the 90s for her cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, is survived by three of her children – Jake, Roisin and Yeshua.
Her 17-year-old son Shane was found dead on January 7 last year, after he left a hospital in Dublin – where he had been admitted for care.
Sinéad described Shane as the “very light of my life”, and said she hoped he was now at peace.
She checked herself into hospital shortly after his death, after posting a series of worrying tweets.
In her final tweet, which was posted on July 17th, Sinéad posted a photo of herself and Shane and wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”
“We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭#lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022.
Been living as undead night creature since. . He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him pic.twitter.com/aC8BOmLQ9N— Sinead Marie-Bernarde Aoibheann O’Connor (@786OmShahid) July 17, 2023
Sinéad, who changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 after converting to Islam, released 10 studio albums during her career.
The Grammy-winning artist also hit headlines in 1992 when she famously ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II during her appearance on Saturday Night Live in the US.
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Following the news of her tragic death, fans have been taking to Twitter to pay tribute to the Dubliner – who has been described as one of Ireland’s greatest singers.
Check out some tributes below:
Singer Sinead O’Connor died suddenly at 56 years old.
So unfortunate. Loved her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compared 2U”. pic.twitter.com/cso09DpR7S
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) July 26, 2023
What horribly sad news. Her book and the recent Nothing Compares documentary really helped underline her legacy but I’m so sorry to hear this https://t.co/1GQcL2Mya0
— Conor Behan (@ItsConorBehan) July 26, 2023
Sinead O’Connor just died. She was heavily criticized in 1992 for tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live, condemning of paedophilia in the Catholic Church. She was right all along.
— 🅹🅾️🅴🆈աrecκ ☭ (@joeywreck) July 26, 2023
Ah shite, Sinead O’Connor has died. That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) July 26, 2023
Devastated to hear the news about Sinead O’Connor. What a loss.
— Louise McSharry (@louisemcsharry) July 26, 2023
There aren’t many news stories that will stop almost every Irish person in their tracks. This very sad news is one of them. RIP to one of the finest singers of this – or any – generation. https://t.co/MELx6MGZEW
— Conor Pope (@conor_pope) July 26, 2023
Farewell to one of the greatest Irish musicians of all time. Sinead O’Connor had the balls to stand up and challenge the Catholic Church at a time most didn’t. A prolific social campaigner. Gone way too young. RIP Sinead. pic.twitter.com/23dbPbEq19
— Stephen Minihane (@SMinihane87) July 26, 2023
Rest In Peace Sinead… a nation weeps 💔 pic.twitter.com/mSfSTQjpRe
— Deirdre O'Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) July 26, 2023
Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor.
Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.
Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam. https://t.co/JVHxz7Kv2Z
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 26, 2023
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