Irish music legend Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56.
In a statement, O’Connor’s family said: “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’s single Nothing Compares 2 U was named by the Billboard Music Awards as the number one world single in 1990.
The track earned her multiple Grammy Award nominations including for the record of the year category, as well as best female pop vocal performance and best music video.
She released 10 studio albums across a career spanning more than three decades. Her first critically acclaimed album The Lion And The Cobra was released in 1987.
Her second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, followed in 1990 and continued the singer’s success as it received glowing reviews.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “really sorry” to hear the news of O’Connor’ death.
“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare”, he tweeted on Wednesday evening.
“Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.
“Ar dheis De go Raibh a hAnam.”
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said O’Connor was one of Ireland’s greatest musical icons.
Comedian Dara O’Briain also paid tribute to the late singer, and wrote in a tweet: “I hope she realised how much love there was for her.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins said: “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.”
The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess referred to O’Connor as the “true embodiment of a punk spirit” in a tribute.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to O’Connor, referring to the singer by both her birth name and chosen Islam name.
O’Connor converted to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Davitt.
Lawyer Michael Wildes, who previously represented O’Connor, said: “Sinéad enjoyed spending Friday ‘Sabbath’ night dinner at our home revelling in our family, blessings and traditions.
“She would often take a package home making us appreciate her own spiritual journey. We truly enjoyed the time we had with her.
“This is truly a great loss for the world.”
The singer’s death comes 18 months after the passing of her 17-year-old son Shane, whose body was recovered in the Bray area of Wicklow after he was reported missing.
O’Connor described him as “the very light of my life” and said he had “decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.”
She later cancelled all upcoming live performances for the rest of 2022 due to her “continuing grief” after his death.
O’Connor was also known for making bold statements and frequently spoke out about the child abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.
One of her most notable moments of protest was when she ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II while appearing as a guest on Saturday Night Live in 1992.
The singer also spoke openly about suffering from mental health problems.
