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Photograph: Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection Sarah Burns Wed Jul 26 2023 - 18:31 Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has died at the age of 56, her family has announced. In a statement, the singer's family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time." The acclaimed Dublin performer released 10 studio albums, while her song Nothing Compares 2 U was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. Her version of the ballad, written by musician Prince, topped the charts around the globe and earned her three Grammy nominations. The accompanying music video, directed by English filmmaker John Maybury, consisted mostly of a close-up of O'Connor's face as she sung the lyrics and became as famous as her recording of the song. READ MORE Sinead O'Connor: A take-no-prisoners defiance in the face of trauma Sinead O'Connor: A take-no-prisoners defiance in the face of trauma --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinead O'Connor 1966-2023: A life in pictures Sinead O'Connor 1966-2023: A life in pictures --------------------------------------------------------------------- Why Sinead O'Connor Matters: Radical at the right time in the correct way Why Sinead O'Connor Matters: Radical at the right time in the correct way --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinead O'Connor at Vicar Street: A once-in-a-generation singer in the form of her life Sinead O'Connor at Vicar Street: A once-in-a-generation singer in the form of her life --------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1991, O'Connor was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine on the back of the song's success. O'Connor was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTE Choice Music Awards earlier this year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinead O'Connor receives the Classic Irish Album award for I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got at the RTE Choice Music Prize at Vicar Street on March 9th. Photograph: Kieran Frost/Redferns The singer received a standing ovation as she dedicated the award for the album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, to "each and every member of Ireland's refugee community". "You're very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness," she said. President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to O'Connor, saying his "first reaction on hearing the news of Sinead's loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice." "To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn't but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been," he said. [ Sinead O'Connor on her teenage years: 'I steal everything. I'm not a nice person. I'm trouble' ] [ Sinead O'Connor's first Irish Times interview, from 1986: 'I don't need to drink or take drugs. All I need to do is sing' ] "What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her ... May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his sorrow at the death of the singer in a post on social media. "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," said Mr Varadkar. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he was "devastated" to learn of her death. "One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her," he said. Minister for Culture and Arts Catherine Martin said she was "so sorry" that the "immensely talented" O'Connor had died. "Her unique voice and innate musicality was incredibly special ... My thoughts are with her family and all who are heartbroken on hearing this news Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann." Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said Ireland had lost "one of our most powerful and successful singer, songwriter and female artists". "A big loss not least to her family & friends, but all her many followers across the world." O'Connor is survived by her three children. Her son, Shane, died last year aged 17. She drew controversy and divided opinion during her long career in music and time in public life. In 1992, O'Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on US television programme Saturday Night Live in an act of protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinead O'Connor tears up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a live appearance in New York on NBC's Saturday Night Live on October 5th,1992. Photograph: NBC-TV/AP "I'm not sorry I did it. It was brilliant," she later said of her protest. "But it was very traumatising," she added. "It was open season on treating me like a crazy bitch." The year before that high-profile protest, she boycotted the Grammy Awards, the music industry's answer to the Oscars, saying she did not want "to be part of a world that measures artistic ability by material success." She refused the playing of US national anthem before her concerts, drawing further public scorn. In more recent years, O'Connor became better known for her spiritualism and activism, and spoke publicly about her mental health struggles. In 2007, O'Connor told US talkshow Oprah Winfrey that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years previously and that before her diagnosis she had struggled with thoughts of suicide and overwhelming fear. She said at the time that medication had helped her find more balance, but "it's a work in progress". O'Connor had also voiced support for other young women performers facing intense public scrutiny, including Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. The singer converted to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat, though continued to perform under the name Sinead O'Connor. In 2021, O'Connor released a memoir Rememberings, while last year a film on her life was directed by Kathryn Ferguson. Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy said he was "devastated" by the news of O'Connor's death. "We spoke days ago and she was as kind, powerful, passionate, determined and decent as ever," he said in post on Instagram. Addressing O'Connor directly, he said: "Rest in peace Sinead, you were ahead of your time and deserve whatever peace comes your way." Broadcaster Dave Fanning said O'Connor would be remembered for her music and her "fearlessness" and "in terms of how she went out there all the time, believed in everything she was doing, wasn't always right and had absolutely no regrets at all". American rapper and actor Ice T has paid tribute to O'Connor, saying she "stood for something". In a Twitter post, he wrote: "Respect to Sinead ... She stood for something ... Unlike most people ... Rest Easy". Musician Tim Burgess of the Charlatans said: "Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace." Ian Brown of The Stone Roses tweeted: "RIP SINEAD O'CONNOR A Beautiful Soul. Hearin Collaborating with and hearing Sinead sing my songs in the studio in Dublin was magical and a highlight of my musical life." The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) said: "Our hearts go out to family, friends, and all who were moved by her music, as we reflect on the profound impact she made on the world." Irish band Aslan paid tribute to O'Connor. Both originating from Dublin, O'Connor collaborated with the band on Up In Arms in 2001. Aslan lead singer Christy Dignam died in June. A post on the band's Facebook page read: "Two Legends taken from us so closely together... No words ... Rest in Peace Sinead" British singer Alison Moyet said O'Connor had a voice that "cracked stone with force by increment". In a post on Twitter, she wrote: "Heavy hearted at the loss of Sinead O'Connor. Wanted to reach out to her often but didn't. I remember her launch. Astounding presence. Voice that cracked stone with force & by increment. "As beautiful as any girl around & never traded on that card. I Loved that about her. Iconoclast." A US film and TV composer has reflected on writing new songs with the "wise and visionary" Sinead O'Connor. In a Twitter post, Bear McCreary, a US film and TV composer, said he was "gutted". "She was the warrior poet I expected her to be -- wise and visionary, but also hilarious. She and I laughed a lot. We were writing new songs together, which will now never be complete. We've all lost an icon. I've lost a friend. #RIP." The pair had worked together on the latest version of the theme for Outlander. Canadian rock star Bryan Adams said he loved working with the Irish singer. "I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family," he tweeted. Sarah Burns Sarah Burns Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times Sinead O'Connor IN THIS SECTION Sinead O'Connor: A take-no-prisoners defiance in the face of trauma Sinead O'Connor 1966-2023: A life in pictures Sinead O'Connor's first Irish Times interview, from 1986: 'I don't need to drink or take drugs. All I need to do is sing' Sinead O'Connor, acclaimed Dublin singer, dies aged 56 Bethany Cosentino: 'It's tough not to grab on to things an absolute stranger says about you' MOST READ Sinead O'Connor, acclaimed Dublin singer, dies aged 56 Death of Sinead O'Connor's son referred to NRP for investigation Gulf stream could collapse for first time in 12,000 years as early as 2025, study suggests 'My family don't particularly like me and I despair about retiring and spending more time with them' Ireland 1 Canada 2: Vera Pauw's side out of the World Cup with one group match to go LATEST STORIES The Girl from Plainville: A teenage friendship, a suicide and a mission to untangle the truth --------------------------------------------------------------------- Man (40s) dies in single vehicle crash in Roscommon --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sinead O'Connor: A take-no-prisoners defiance in the face of trauma --------------------------------------------------------------------- A 'unique voice': President Higgins leads tributes to Sinead O'Connor --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Irish Times view on the report on Camhs: a service creaking at the seams --------------------------------------------------------------------- Book Club Book Club Sign up to the Irish Times books newsletter for features, podcasts and more Sign up (c) 2023 The Irish Times DAC (c) 2023 The Irish Times DAC Subscribe * Why Subscribe? * Subscription Bundles * Subscriber Rewards * Subscription Help Centre(Opens in new window) * Home Delivery(Opens in new window) * Gift Subscriptions Support * Contact Us * Help Centre(Opens in new window) * My Account About Us * Advertise * Contact Us * The Irish Times Trust * Careers Irish Times Products & Services * ePaper * Crosswords & puzzles * Newspaper Archive * Newsletters * Article Index(Opens in new window) * Discount Codes(Opens in new window) The Irish Times Download the app Download on the App Store Download on Google Play MyHome.ie(Opens in new window) * Top 1000 * The Gloss(Opens in new window) * Recruit Ireland(Opens in new window) * Irish Times Training(Opens in new window) --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Terms & Conditions * Privacy Policy * Cookie Information * Cookie Settings * Community Standards * Copyright