Irish media reported on Wednesday that Sinead O’Connor, an international pop star who rose to prominence in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 56.
It is with “great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead,” according to her family. Her family and friends are distraught and have asked for privacy during this extremely trying time, according to Irish national television RTE.
Born in County Dublin, O’Connor made 10 albums in her career from “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” to 2014’s “I’m not Bossy, I’m the Boss”, and was best known for her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”, released in 1990.
“One of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters, and performers of recent decades” had passed away, according to Ireland’s President Michael Higgins.
In spite of how upsetting the revelations might have been, he applauded O’Connor for her “fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention.”
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said O’Connor’s “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,” he added.
Instantly recognisable with her trademark shaved head, O’Connor courted controversy throughout her career, speaking out frequently against the Catholic Church.
