Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor – whose hit Nothing Compares 2 U propelled her to worldwide fame – dies aged 56https://t.co/Y5fylNGpq4

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 26, 2023

O’Connor, perhaps best known for her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” struggled with the loss of her son, who died while on suicide watch at Tallaght Hospital. O’Connor was publicly vocal about the mental health struggles that she suffered due to the loss of custody of her son and in her last tweet, expressed how lost she felt without him.

In a statement given to the media, her family said, “it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.” O’Connor is survived by her three children. O’Connor’s fellow artists took to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to the singer.

pic.twitter.com/6iscpvpjzJ — Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) July 26, 2023

Heavy hearted at the loss of Sinead O’Connor. Wanted to reach out to her often but didn’t.I remember her launch. Astounding presence.Voice that cracked stone with force & by increment. As beautiful as any girl around & never traded on that card. I Loved that about her. Iconoclast

— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) July 26, 2023

RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family. pic.twitter.com/49ryuIhGTQ — Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) July 26, 2023

Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy.. https://t.co/3nbO3w22zv

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 26, 2023

RiP SiNEAD O’CONNOR A Beautiful Soul. Hearin Collaborating with and hearing Sinead sing my songs in the studio in Dublin was magical and a highlight of my musical life. A Beautiful soul LOVE TO HER FAMILY X — Ian Brown (@ianbrown) July 26, 2023

I am gutted by the loss of #SineadOConnor .

She was the warrior poet I expected her to be — wise and visionary, but also hilarious. She and I laughed a lot. We were writing new songs together, which will now never be complete.

We’ve all lost an icon. I’ve lost a friend. #RIP

— Bear McCreary (@bearmccreary) July 26, 2023

When her second cup was taking on the night air, she rose, embraced us all and strode away into the fog-dimmed streetlights. We sat there the four of us and variously expressed the same thing. What an amazing woman. Peace be with your courageous heart Sinéad. — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 26, 2023

You were so loved by so many #SineadOConnor

This video was taken just 4 months ago at the @choiceprize awards in Dublin and the atmosphere in the room when Sinéad took to the stage was just electric

I’m sorry the world was so cruel to you.
Rest in Power Irish Princess pic.twitter.com/TfnKMl9Q2f

— Siobhán McAndrew (@Shiv_Mc_A) July 26, 2023

Born in Dublin, Ireland, O’Connor released her debut album The Lion And The Cobra in 1987 to popular acclaim but it was her follow up, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got that made her a household name- propelling her into superstardom. The album contained her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The song, written by Prince, was the second single to feature from the album and became a worldwide smash hit.

The album also highlighted O’Connor ‘s ability as a singer, garnering praise for her vocal approach and style. Many publications and commentators also noted her rebellious appearance of shaved head, serious expression and loose fitting clothes. Throughout the late 90s and 2000s, O’Connor continued to release music and contribute as a guest artist on various records although O’Connor’s appeal waned somewhat, despite releasing new albums- much of which also won critical praise.

Known for her brazen and unreserved honesty about her spirituality, activism and mental health struggles-the singer never shied away from controversy, famously tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a performance on the TV show Saturday Night Live. A member of Sinn Fein, O’Connor was a supporter of a united Ireland.

By 2014, O’Connor had released ten studio albums and was reportedly working on a new record, No Veteran Dies Alone. In 2021, O’Connor released a memoir called Rememberings to high critical acclaim with the BBC naming it one of the best books of the year.

In 2017, O’Connor officially changed her name to Magda Davitt, citing her wish to break with patriarchal traditions. She also went on to convert to Islam one year later, changing her name a second time to Shuhada Sadaqat and stating that it was a natural progression for an intelligent theologian.