Irish Singer and Pop Culture Icon Sineád O’Connor Dies at 56

Sinead O'Connor performing on the Big Top at Bestival 2013
Sinead O'Connor performing on the Big Top at Bestival 2013. Photo by Zoe Miranda/REX/Shutterstock (3010581d)

Legendary Irish singer and activist Sineád O’Connor, best known for her iconic hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has passed away at the age of 56. Her family confirmed the devastating news in an official statement and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

The loss of O’Connor is felt deeply by her fans and a generation of artists she inspired after her family confirmed she passed away in a statement shared with the Irish media: “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 is survived by her three children Jake Reynolds, Roisin Waters, and Yeshua Bonadio, and the news of her passing comes about a year and a half after her teenage son Shane tragically passed away at 17 in 2022.

Sineád O’Connor released 10 studio albums, starting with her debut record The Lion and the Cobra in 1987. She became a household name following the success of her global mega-hit “Nothing Compares 2 U”, which was nominated for three Grammys. In addition to finding success as a singer and songwriter, O’Connor will be remembered for her courage and unwavering dedication as an activist, who used her platform to firmly stand for what she believed in and raise awareness about many important social issues.