Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor dies at age 56

The Irish Times reported that singer Sinéad O’Connor, best known for her 1990 hit single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has died at age 56. O’Connor’s family said in a statement, confirmed by RTE: “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.” No cause of death was revealed as of press time.

O’Connor released her debut album in 1987, and its 1990 follow-up I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got brought her international fame on the heels of her smash hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song written and composed by Prince which became a hit across the globe. The Irish singer’s mental health struggles plagued her over the years since her early rise to fame, culminating in a hospitalization in 2022 following the death of her 17-year-old son, Shane, whom she shared with musician Dónal Lunny. Shane went missing in January 2022, and O’Connor revealed days later that he’d died by suicide, tweeting 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.”

At the beginning of July, O’Connor switched to a new Twitter account, using her full name. She seemed positive about the future, and tweeted on July 11th that she was working on new music and had hopes for an international tour: “Hi All, recently moved back to London after 23 years absence. Very happy to be home : ) Soon finishing my album. Release early next year : ). Hopefully Touring Australia and New Zealand toward end 2024. Europe, USA and other territories beginning early 2025 : ). Her final Twitter post on July 17 alluded to her son’s suicide as she linked to a “Great Tibetan Compassion Mantra” and wrote: “For all mothers of Suicided children.”

O’Connor is survived by her three children: Jake Reynolds, 36, Roison Waters, 27, and Yeshua Bonadio, 16.