Sinead O'Connor was seen smiling as she accepted her award in last pictures before her death.
The Nothing Compares 2 U singer has tragically passed away at the age of 56, with her family confirming the news in a heartbreaking statement. In a message shared with the press and fans, her family paid tribute to their "beloved" Sinead.
Issuing a statement today, her heartbroken family shared: "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."
In photos from March, Sinead was seen at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize in Dublin, where she celebrated with her fans and friends as she picked up the Classic Irish Album award. She was seen smiling and waving to the crowd as she accepted the accolade.
The Irish singer is survived by three children. Her son Shane passed away last year at the age of 17.
Sinead O'Connor's acts of kindness uncovered after death as she helped dying fanBorn Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor in Dublin on 8 December 1966, O’Connor rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra, and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a new arrangement of Prince's song "Nothing Compares 2 U".
Sinead tragically lost her 17 year-old son Shane O'Connor last year, taking to social media at the time to pen a heartbreaking tribute.
"May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace," a devastated Sinead wrote within her moving online tribute to her late son - whom she shared with musician Donal Lunny.
Before his death, he had gone missing, with Sinead sharing a desperate plea to find him.
"Shane, your life is precious. God didn’t chisel that beautiful smile on your beautiful face for nothing.
Remembering Sinead this evening, Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin described the late singer as one of Ireland’s greatest musical icons. In a statement on Twitter the Tanaiste said: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Sinead O’Connor.
“One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.”
American rapper and actor Ice T also paid tribute to Sinead O’Connor, saying she “stood for something”, after her death at the age of 56.
In a Twitter post, he wrote: “Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy”, accompanied by a praying hands emoji.
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