Sinead O'Connor's tragic life - son's death to harrowing childhood
Sinead O'Connor has tragically died at the age of 56 - just 18 months after her son Shane died at just 17.
The music icon's death was confirmed in a statement by her family. The statement read: "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."
Despite her meteoric rise to fame, the Nothing Compares 2 U singer led a life that was littered with heartache and pain. She is survived by her three children and in her final social media post, the Irish songstress tweeted a picture of her late son alongside the caption: "Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul."
Son's death
Sinead O'Connor announced her son Shane's death in January last year
Sinead had four children (WireImage)Just 18 months ago, Sinead revealed the heartbreaking news that her 17-year-old son Shane had passed away.
Sinéad O’Connor, 56, has died 18 months after her son's tragic death
In a heartbreaking tweet, she penned: "My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.
"May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace."
The confirmation of his death in January last year came days after police had launched an appeal to help find him. Amid the search, Sinead took to Twitter and pleaded with her lookalike son to contact her.
She tweeted at the time: "Shane, your life is precious. God didn’t chisel that beautiful smile on your beautiful face for nothing. My world would collapse without you. You are my heart. Please don’t stop it from beating. Please don’t harm yourself. Go to the Gardai and let’s get you to hospital.
"This is a message for my son, Shane. Shane, it’s not funny any more all this going missing. You are scaring the crap out of me. Could you please do the right thing and present yourself at a Gardai station. If you are with Shane please call the Gardai for his safety."
Sinead later confirmed her son died by suicide. He was the son of Sinead and musician Donal Lunny. The couple split shortly after Shane's birth in 2014.
Multiple marriages
Sinead O'Connor tied the knot four times (Redferns)Sinead was married four times in total in her life. Her first wedding took place in 1987 when she tied the knot with musician John Reynolds. The singer welcomed her first child Jake with John. However, the couple split just four years after walking down the aisle.
Her second wedding day came in 2001, when she said "I do" to a journalist. However, like her first coupling, it didn't last and the pair split by 2004. Sinead claimed after this failed marriage that she would never marry again.
However, she went on to date Steve Cooney and walked down the aisle once more in 2010. Less than a year later though, Sinead was single again.
Her fourth marriage took place in Las Vegas in December 2011 when she married Barry Herridge. The couple only lasted a matter of days before calling it off, but were said to be prepared to exchange their vows again in 2014. It's unclear, however, if this ever took place.
Sinead O'Connor's heartbreaking final post before tragic death at just 56
Childhood trauma
Sinead O'Connor had a tough childhood (Sipa/REX/Shutterstock)
Sinead O'Connor was once arrested for shoplifting (Redferns)Sinead was born to parents John and Marie O’Connor on December 8, 1966 and was one of five children. She claimed later in life that her mum physically and sexually abused her as a child and said she was convinced her mother wanted to destroy her reproductive organs.
In an excerpt from her book titled Rememberings, the singer discussed her relationship with her mother. She wrote about how she would order her to strip naked, lie on the floor with her arms and legs splayed open.
In teenage years, opening up about living with her father at the age of 13, saying how they would live like they were poor despite having money.
Later in her teens she was arrested for shoplifting, explaining in her memoir how she was a kleptomaniac. Her addiction saw her sent to a Magdalene Asylum, which she described as a "prison" where the "girls cried every day".
Her mum, who she blamed for much of her turmoil in her youth, died in a car accident when Sinead was 18.
She later admitted she had forgiven her mum for her past.
Religion
The singer also had four unsuccessful marriages (Getty Images)In 2018, she converted to Islam, calling it "the natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian's journey". At the same time, she changed her name to Shuhada' Davitt.
Speaking on The Late Late Show in 2019, she said: ""The word 'revert' refers to the idea that if you were to study the Quran, you would realise you were a Muslim all your life, and you didn't realise it. And that is what happened to me."
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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