Thu 27 July 2023:
Irish music legend Sinead O’Connor, known for her hit single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has died at the age of 56, according to local media on Wednesday.
The famed singer, who released 10 studio albums, including 1990 hit Nothing Compares 2 U, died 18 months after the death of her 17-year-old son Shane, The Irish Times reported.
In a statement, the singer’s 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.”
She was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which reached number one and brought her worldwide fame.
O’Connor changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat after converting to Islam in 2018 but continued to perform under the name Sinead O’Connor.
“What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her,” he said.
O’Connor, who was outspoken in her social and political views, released 10 studio albums between 1987 and 2014.
In 1991, she was was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine and took home the Brit Award for international female solo artist.
Earlier this year, she was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTE Choice Music Awards.
O’Connor dedicated the award to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community,” according to the report.
“You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness,” she said.
Continuing grief
In January 2022, her 17-year-old son Shane was found dead after being reported missing two days previously.
Writing on social media following his death, she said he had “decided to end his earthly struggle” and requested “no-one follows his example”.
The singer later cancelled all live performances for the rest of 2022 due to her “continuing grief” following the death of her son.
O’Connor paid tribute to Shane in one of her final tweets, calling him “the love of my life, the lamp of my soul, we were one soul in two halves”.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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