Following the news of Sinéad O’Connor‘s passing at the age of 56 on Wednesday, July 26, friends and admirers of the Irish singer/songwriter took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute. Condolences and admiration for the singer were expressed by many celebs and fellow musicians, including Ian Brown, Alanis Morrissette, Leann Rimes and friend Michael Stipe.
O’Connor is best remembered for the heart-wrenching song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a ballad penned by Prince that turned her into a global superstar and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. Apart from her hit song, she made headlines for her trademark buzzed hairstyle and her provocative public persona, including the infamous incident of tearing a photo of the Pope during a performance on Saturday Night Live in 1992, urging the audience to “fight the real enemy.”
Ian Brown took to Twitter to praise the singer and described her as ‘a beautiful soul.’
Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister), shared his condolences on Twitter for their native daughter. He wrote, “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. Her music was loved around the world, and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends, and all who loved her music.” Michael Martin, Ireland’s tánaiste (deputy head of government), minister for foreign affairs, and minister for defense, also paid tribute on Twitter, describing O’Connor as “one of our greatest musical icons, deeply loved by the people of Ireland and beyond.”
On Twitter, Leann Rimes described the Irish singer as “the best kind of rebel,” with “such a glorious voice.”
On Instagram, Michael Stipe simply put in response to Sinead’s death: “There are no words.”
Alanis Morissette’s emotional tribute praised O’Connor for her “passion” and for raising “the bar on artistry and female empowerment.”
O’Connor’s family shared a statement with the BBC: “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 Sinead’s death has yet to be announced.