Irish singer Sinead O’Connor has died.
Her family confirmed in a statement she had died aged 56.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.’
In a statement to RTE, they added: ‘Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.’
The songwriter, who changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 when she converted to Islam, released ten studio albums, with Nothing Compares 2 U reaching Billboard’s number one world single spot in 1990.
Her debut album The Lion and the Cobra was released in 1987, while her second album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got sold over seven million copies worldwide.
As well as her music, O’Connor wrote a memoir in 2021, Rememberings.
Throughout her career, she raised awareness and spoke openly about her religious journey, activism and mental health struggles.
The Nothing Compares 2 U singer’s death comes a year after her son Shane took his own life at the age of 17.
She later took the decision to not perform for the rest of this year due to her continuing grief over his death.
In a statement at the time, her management said that it was not an easy decision for the singer, but she had cancelled the performances for the sake of ‘her own health and wellbeing’.
‘We would like to respectfully announce that due to continuing grief over the tragic loss of her beloved son Shane earlier this year, Sinead O’Connor will not be performing live in 2022,’ they said in a statement.
‘This has not been an easy decision for Sinead but a decision she has had to make for her own health and wellbeing at this time.
‘We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Sinead’s worldwide agency ICM who have handled this with the utmost respect and dignity and have worked tirelessly.
‘We would also extend our gratitude for the continuing support and understanding of local and international promoters.
‘Thank you also to Sinead’s friends and fans whose support and understanding we hold in the highest esteem throughout this period. The love being shown has been a source of great comfort and peace for Sinead.’
O’Connor is survived by her three children.
Shane died aged 17 in January after his body was recovered in Wicklow after he was reported missing.
She said at the time: ‘My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.
‘May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.’
Metro.co.uk has approached O’Connor’s reps.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.
Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
Source: Read Full Article
