Sinéad O’Connor was 56.
The death of singer/songwriter Sinéad O’Connor has been announced via a statement from her family which reads:
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.
Irish President Michael D Higgins was one of the first to respond to the news, highlighting O’Connor’s unflinching authenticity and, ‘her ‘beautiful, unique voice’.
“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 added.
Countless tributes have already been left by the music world, but Ice-T might have summed it up best by tweeting: “She stood for something. Unlike most people.”