We have sad news to report today I Love Old School Music family…Sinéad O’Connor – the Irish born singer best known for her Prince-penned hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U” – has passed away. She was only 56 years young.
The Irish Times first reported the heartbreaking news of Sinéad O’Connor’s passing on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her family has released the following statement:
“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.”
Details surrounding Sinéad cause of death haven’t yet been released.
Sinéad’s passing comes on the heels of several tragic events she’d experienced in the last few years of her life. One of the most devastating incidents was the suicide of her 17-year-old son, Shane, in January 2022. Before his death, Shane was under suicide watch in an Irish hospital, but he had gone missing from the hospital just two days prior. After Shane’s passing, Sinéad released a statement expressing her grief and love for her son.
Sinéad also revealed her own struggles with mental health, including being reported missing and suicidal in Chicago in 2016. Sinéad even revealed in an interview with Dr. Phil that she had attempted suicide eight times in one year.
Sinéad’s music career took off with the release of her first album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” in 1987. This album earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and achieved gold status. However, it was her 1990 album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” that brought her immense fame. The album featured her biggest hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” written by Prince, and won her the Video of the Year award at the MTV Video Awards.
Sinéad is survived by her three children, Jake, Roisin, and Yeshua.
Of course Sinéad will forever be remembered for her beautiful voice and classic music…but her fans will also always remember her for her devoted commitment to standing up for her personal beliefs; as well speaking out against various forms of oppression or injustices that she deemed to be wrong, no matter how controversial they may have seemed. She was a strong woman indeed.
Our condolences to her family and loved ones at this time. May Sinéad O’Connor rest peacefully. 😔
