Irish firebrand singer and refugee champion Sinéad O'Connor dies at 56, breaking hearts

Irish icon and singer Sinéad O’Connor died at the age of 56, her family said in a statement released to the public on Wednesday, according to her home country’s public broadcaster, RTE.

The singer’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.”

The world renowned Irish singer produced 10 successful record albums, while Billboard Music Awards named her song “Nothing Compares 2 U” the number one world single in 1990, followed by a memorable album the same year, “I Do Not Want What I Have Not Got.”

Her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U”, written by the artist known as Prince, skyrocketed to the top of the charts, winning  her three Grammy nominations.

The singer’s music video, directed by English filmmaker John Maybury, was immortalized for its direction and became an instant MTV staple, consisting of a close-up of the singer’s stunning face.

Rolling Stone magazine named O’Connor artist of the year in 1991.

Earlier this year, the iconic Dublin singer was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards.

When she received her award for the album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” she dedicated it to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community,” and received a standing ovation.

“You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness,” she said to refugees, worldwide.

Representatives of the Irish government and music industry all weighed in, expressing their sadness to hear about the iconic singer’s passing.

The European country’s Minister for Culture and Arts Catherine Martin said she was “so sorry” that the “immensely talented” O’Connor had died.

“Her unique voice and innate musicality was incredibly special ... My thoughts are with her family and all who are heartbroken on hearing this news…” Martin said.

“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in a social media post.

Irish Minister of Defense Tánaiste Micheál Martin also expressed his grief, saying he was “devastated” when he heard of the Dublin singer’s passing.

“One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her,” he wrote.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) said: “Our hearts go out to family, friends, and all who were moved by her music, as we reflect on the profound impact she made on the world.”

Many musical artists weighed in, expressing their sadness, saying her passing was a loss for the global musical community. weighed in on O’Connor’s death,

Musician Tim Burgess of the Charlatans tweeted: “Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace.”

Ian Brown of The Stone Roses wrote on Twitter: “RIP SINEAD O’CONNOR A Beautiful Soul. Collaborating with and hearing Sinead sing my songs in the studio in Dublin was magical and a highlight of my musical life.”

O’Connor is survived by her three children. Her son, Shane, died last year aged 17. She raised ire and inspired debate throughout her lengthy musical career.

In 1991, the Irish singer boycotted the Grammy Awards, insisting she would did not want “to be part of a world that measures artistic ability by material success.”

She also angered Americans when she refused to play their national anthem before her concerts.

The following year, during one of her more memorable moments, the singer, who hails from one of the most Catholic countries in the world, O’Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live.

She later said she did it as an act of protest against sexual abuse of children in the Catholic Church, and remained staunchly unapologetic about her decision.

“I’m not sorry I did it,” she later said. “It was brilliant. But it was very traumatizing,” she added. “It was open season on treating me like a crazy bitch.”

As the Irish firebrand singer aged, she calmed and actively campaigned to create awareness about the dangers of mental health issues, admitting she also suffered from such problems.

During a 2007 appearance with Oprah Winfrey, O’Connor said she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled to stave off thoughts of suicide.

Unlike Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, who has spent a lifetime denouncing psychiatric medications, O’Connor was in favor of them, saying such pharmaceuticals helped her cope.

She later spoke out in defense of other female musicians facing similar struggles such as Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears. In 2018, she said she converted to Islam.

Rapper and Law & Order actor Ice-T said the Irish singer “stood for something.” He tweeted that,“Respect to Sinead ... She stood for something ... Unlike most people ... Rest Easy.”