Outspoken Irish singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Sinead O’Connor, has died.
A statement from the 56-year-old Grammy-winning singer’s family did not mention the cause of her death.
“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 singer’s family said.
As thebulrushes.com original report indicated, O’Connor had battled mental health issues and more recently – about 18 months ago – she suffered a massive heartbreak when her beloved teenage son, Shane (17), committed suicide.
The often controversial singer was propelled to international stardom in the early 1990s with her moving rendition of the Grammy hit ballad “Nothing Compares 2 U“.
‘Peace be with you’ – world mourns Irish singer Sinead O’Connor’ death: Twitter tributes
Remembered for her bold actions like tearing up a photo in 1992 of Pope John Paul II on ‘Saturday Night Live’ to protest sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, earning a lifetime ban from the show, and her moving open letter to Prince Harry acknowledging his struggles with mental health, condolences continue to pour in from world acclaimed fellow musicians, actors and fans across the world following the news of Sinead O’Connor’s sudden death.
Legendary rocker Bryan Adams, tweeted a condolence message Wednesday (as seen below) reminiscing about their good times together on-and-off stage.
American music critic, author and podcaster, Steven Hyden, wrote about her in his book ‘Your Favorite Band Is Killing‘ – which includes his take on Miley Cyrus vs. Sinead, giving readers a glimpse into the perennial battle between old and young. He shares that he wrote about O’Connor “because she’s the rare artist for whom the phrase ‘ahead of time’ is not hyperbole”.
Two-time Oscar nominated actor James Woods (noted for his roles in critically acclaimed films like ‘Ghosts of Mississippi‘, ‘Nixon‘, ‘Once Upon a Time in America‘ and ‘Salvador‘) took his three million plus followers all the way back to O’Connor’s 2010 duet with the late Kris Kristofferson, saying it’s “impossible to imagine a more exquisite coupling of two musical angels”.
British newspaper columnist and podcaster Owen Jones said the news of her death hits like a truck.