Laura Whitmore and Ireland’s Taoiseach lead tributes to Sinead O'Connor
Fans and friends of Sinead O'Connor are taking to social media to pay tribute following news that the Irish music icon has died aged 56.
The beloved singer's death was confirmed on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves across the entertainment world.
O'Connor, whose haunted rendition of Prince's Nothing Compares 2 U made her a household name in 1990, sold over 6 million albums and performed in countless venues throughout her impressive music career.
She is survived by her three children, Jake Reynolds, 34, RoisIn Waters, 27, and 16-year-old Yeshua Bonadio. Her son, Shane Lunny, died aged 17 last year.
Irish music duo Jedward took to Twitter shortly after the news broke with the message, "Rest in Peace Sinead O’Connor very sad to hear the news True Irish Icon of our Generation!"
Sinéad O’Connor, 56, has died 18 months after her son's tragic death
Sinead O'Connor has died aged 56 (Getty Images)The former X Factor stars added that they "only just met her this year and she was in good spirits", before praising her as "a very welcoming person with a big heart."
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore penned: "Sinead was the biggest star I ever met. And I was so starstruck I barely spoke. In many ways a star that shone so bright it was probably hard to cope having that much talent. The most beautiful voice, face and aura."As an Irish woman growing up in the 90s she was everything, showing girls were cool, Irish women could be recognised globally and shaved heads not just for guys - though not a look I could carry off. My mam told everyone who visited Sinead lived on our road - she was our royalty. Rest in peace Queen x""
Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also shared his condolences with O'Connor's family and friends on Twitter, adding "Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare" before signing off with the Irish phrase for Rest In Peace, "Ar dheis De go Raibh a hAnam."
Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain was one of the first to share his reaction to the news, tweeting, "Ah sh*te, Sinead O’Connor has died. That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her."
"I adored this woman from afar as a teenager. I will always admire her," began Muriel's Wedding actress Toni Collette's tribute post. "I was lucky enough to hang out with her a few times in my twenties. On one occasion we all sang in the hills of Wicklow in Eire."
Toni continued: "I sang a Jane Siberry song and Sinead then asked/encouraged me to sing one of my own. Can you imagine the terror? The intimidation? The thrill?! She was so talented, so generous, humble, resilient, courageous and true. What a voice. What a force. My heart breaks. Rest in real peace Sinead."
Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor shared a photo himself with O'Connor with the caption: "The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel. Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend. Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure."
US rapper Ice T also made a statement, writing, "Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy."
Folk musician Grace Petrie tweeted, "Desperately sad news about Sinead O’Connor. An amazing musician and an incredible voice for justice who deserved far better than the many ways music and media treated her."
"There aren’t many news stories that will stop almost every Irish person in their tracks. This very sad news is one of them. RIP to one of the finest singers of this - or any - generation," Irish journalist Conor Pope wrote, while Cork radio presenter John Creedon called the news "devastating."
Sinead O'Connor's heartbreaking final post before tragic death at just 56
"Jesus, this has really knocked me for six. Sinead O’Connor is dead at 56. A stunning Irish musician, and someone who truly spoke truth to power. Dreadful loss," LGBTQ+ rights activist and writer Jason Reid wrote.
Sinead O'Connor performing in 2014 (Getty Images)Eric Alper, who worked with O'Connor on several albums, tweeted that he "adored" the gifted Dublin vocalist "from the start."
"I have always said this when someone passes, but I mean it more than ever: May she rest in peace," he continued. "She deserves it, wanted it, strived for it and could never achieve it. I will miss her greatly."
Labour MP David Lammy was another high profile individual to comment on the news, writing, "Oh my! How very very sad. Such a soulful, haunting and powerful voice. My heart goes out to her children and family. May she rest in peace."
Irish filmmaker Mark Cousins said, "Sinead O'Connor was our Irish wild side. Such a big part of our imagined lives," while Tim Burgess of The Charlatans called the late vocalist "the true embodiment of a punk spirit."
"Rest in peace, Sinead O'Connor," one grieving fan wrote. "An absolute icon for so many. May you finally be at peace."
"So terribly, terribly sorry to hear of the passing of Sinead O'Connor," another person said. "Sympathies to all her loved ones."
"RIP Sinead O'Connor. She took a Prince song and made it her own and turned it into one the biggest hits of a new decade. Took on the church when people were too afraid and knew it could (and would) destroy her career," another said.
"The bravest, most genuine soul. My heart is broken," another wrote.
A statement shared by O'Connor's family said: "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 cause of O'Connor's death remains unknown. Throughout her life in the spotlight, she had spoken out about a number of issues close to her heart, including spirituality, mental health and activism.
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch
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