Sinéad O'Connor Dies Aged 56

IRELAND – 3rd FEBRUARY: Irish singer and songwriter Sinead O’Connor posed at her home in County Wicklow, Republic Of Ireland on 3rd February 2012. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

The Irish singer-songwriter, Sinéad O’Connor, has died at the age of 56.

“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,” a statement from her family read.

O’Connor was best known for her single, Nothing Compares 2 U (originally from Prince), released in 1990, which went on to hit number one around the world.

She was also known for her outspoken beliefs, including in 1992, in one of the most notable events of her career, when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live, where she was the invited performer.