Sinéad O’Connor, provocative Irish music legend, dead at 56
Sinéad O’Connor died Wednesday. She was 56.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the legendary Irish singer’s family confirmed in a statement to RTÉ.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Page Six has reached out to O’Connor’s rep for additional comment.
The provocative musician, who is survived by three children, notably canceled all of her gigs in June 2022 for her “health and well-being.”
The announcement came five months after the death of her 17-year-old son, Shane.
“We would like to respectfully announce that due to continuing grief over the tragic loss of her beloved son Shane earlier this year, Sinead O’Connor will not be performing live in 2022,” her management team wrote at the time.
“Thank you to Sinead’s friends and fans whose support and understanding we hold in the highest esteem throughout this period,” the statement continued. “The love being shown has been a source of great comfort and peace for Sinead.”
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Prior to his death by suicide, Shane had been hospitalized for two previous attempts.
“the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” O’Connor wrote via Instagram after Shane’s death. “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.”
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The Grammy winner, who was known for her shaved head, experienced her own mental health struggles over the years, leaving fans concerned when she posted cryptically about overdosing in 2015 and was reported missing the following year.
In June 2016, she denied “false and malicious gossip” reporting that she had attempted suicide, writing that she was “far too too f–king happy” for that.
In addition to Shane, O’Connor was the mother of son Jake, 36, daughter Roisin, 27, and son Yeshua, 16.
She is best known for her award-winning music, from “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which the late Prince wrote, to “No Man’s Woman,” as well as her outspoken criticism of the Catholic Church.
O’Connor made her last public appearance at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize in March.
The songwriter was there to accept the award for Best Irish Classic Album for “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” which came out in 1990.
She dedicated the honor to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community.”
O’Connor gushed, “You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness.”
