Sineád O’Connor, the iconic Irish singer who left a lasting impact on the modern rock scene, has passed away at the age of 56. Tributes poured in for the legendary artist and activist after her family released an official statement confirming this tragic loss.
O’Connor’s family released a statement announcing the singer’s passing without sharing any further details about the time and cause of death: “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.”
O’Connor has been very open about her mental health struggles in the wake of her son Shane’s death at the age of 17 last winter. She’s survived by three other children: Jake Reynolds, Roisin Waters, and Yeshua Bonadio.
O’Connor released a total of 10 studio albums, starting with her Grammy-nominated debut The Lion and the Cobra in 1987. She became a global sensation thanks to her signature song “Nothing Compares 2 U”, written by Prince, which earned her three more Grammy nods.
O’Connor’s powerful voice and relentless spirit will be remembered for generations to come, and she made as much impact with her activism as with her music. She left the world in awe with her unabashedly honest expression about a wide range of social issues, from women’s rights to mental health advocacy.
