Acclaimed Irish singer and Grammy award winner Sinéad O’Connor, who achieved fame in the early ’90s with her soul-stirring rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” passed away recently at 56. Her death comes after a long and arduous battle with mental health challenges.
The late singer’s family released an official statement announcing her death. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the statement read. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Sinéad O’Connor speaks on the loss of her son, Shane, in her last tweet before her death
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭#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
Before her death, the singer lost her son Shane to suicide in 2022 after he disappeared from a suicide watch ward at an Irish hospital. Shane’s death left O’Connor in a dark place mentally and it seems the singer didn’t overcome the loss before her own passing. In her last social media post, O’Connor shared her experience coping with her son’s death.
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“Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul,” she wrote in a tweet on July 17 alongside 10 crying face emojis and the hashtag #lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022. “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.”
Celebrities pay tribute to the late singer
Following O’Connor’s death, numerous celebrities expressed condolences and paid tribute to the music icon. “Rest in Peace Sinead O’Connor very sad to hear the news Irish True Irish icon of our Generation!,” Former X Factor star Jedward wrote on Twitter. “We only just met her this year and she was in good spirits, a very welcoming person with a big heart.”
“I hope you are at peace and with your baby boy,” Caitriona Balfe wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for sharing your soul with us and soothing us with your incredible voice, beautiful Sinéad.”
“This is such a tragedy. What a loss. She was haunted all her life. What a talent,” singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge wrote via Twitter. “I remember my first Grammy show, meeting this small shy Irish girl. #Sinead #RIPSinead”