Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has died aged 56
Tributes have poured in for the legendary Irish singer, Sinéad O'Connor, following her death at the age of 56.
The legendary singer has passed away, leaving behind three children Jake, Roisin and Yeshua, with her son Shane having tragically died last year at the age of 17.
"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," her family said in a statement.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to her memory and her talent, which has been immortalised in her songs which were enjoyed by many across the world.
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One said that 'Ireland has lost one of its greatest', saying she gave them 'some of the greatest music' and also 'spoke out for injustice'.
Many others called O'Connor 'an incredible talent' and said that news of her death was an 'awful shock'.
In her music career, O'Connor enjoyed significant success, releasing 10 studio albums and in her second album, a version of Prince's song 'Nothing Compares 2 U' became the top worldwide hit of 1990.
Her version of the song is often considered to be one of the greatest tracks of all time, and her emotionally charged vocal performance in the song won O'Connor many plaudits.
Earlier this year, O'Connor was presented with the inaugural Classic Irish Album award for 'I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got' at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.
Receiving a standing ovation for the award, she dedicated the accolade to 'each and every member of Ireland's refugee community'.
She then said: "You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness."
Fans of O'Connor have described her as an 'incredible woman' and said that seeing her perform live had been an 'unforgettable experience'.
In 1992, O'Connor tore up a picture of the then Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in a demonstration against the Catholic Church during a performance.
She had intended to raise the issue of child abuse and in rehearsals she had held up an image of a starving child and made a plea to protect the vulnerable children of the world.
When she was on camera she tore up the picture of the Pope instead and said 'fight the real enemy', which caused significant controversy at the time.
However, history vindicated O'Connor and her accusations against the church.
Joe Harker