On July 26, 2023, the 56-year-old was found unresponsive in her London apartment. Famous for her outspoken political views and her fearless attitude towards controversy, the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer was heartbroken when her 17-year-old son Shane tragically took his own life in 2022.
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Cause of Sinead O’Connor’s Death Revealed After A Year
According to the outlet, the certificate stated that O’Connor’s death was due to “exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, along with a low-grade lower respiratory tract infection.”
Sinéad O’Connor’s Biography
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O’Connor, born on December 8, 1966, in Dublin, was an Irish singer, songwriter, and activist. She gained fame with her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra” in 1987, which was followed by the critically acclaimed “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” in 1990. The album featured her international hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” written by Prince.
O’Connor was known for her distinctive shaved head and outspoken views on social and political issues. She caused significant controversy in 1992 when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live” to protest child abuse in the Catholic Church.
Her career was marked by various successes and personal struggles, including publicized battles with mental health issues. In 2017, she changed her name to Magda Davitt and later to Shuhada’ Sadaqat after converting to Islam.
O’Connor’s life was deeply affected by personal tragedies, including the loss of her son Shane in 2022. She passed away on July 26, 2023, at 56, leaving behind a legacy as a powerful voice in music and activism.
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About the Memoir and Death of Her Son Shane
In October 2020, Sinéad O’Connor released a cover of “Trouble of the World,” benefiting Black Lives Matter. Her memoir, Rememberings, published in June 2021, received positive reviews. In July, a stamp featuring her was issued by An Post.
O’Connor announced retirement and her final album, No Veteran Dies Alone, in June 2021 but retracted it days later. Her 17-year-old son Shane died by suicide in January 2022, leading her to cancel her tour and postpone the album, which was nearly complete at her death in 2023.
In February 2023, she released “The Skye Boat Song” and was awarded the Choice Music Prize for Classic Irish Album in March. An unreleased song, “The Magdalene Song,” featured in the BBC series The Woman in the Wall.
Marriages and Children
Sinéad O’Connor’s first son, Jake, was born on June 16, 1987, to music producer John Reynolds, whom she married in March 1989. They divorced in 1991. Her daughter Roisin was born on March 6, 1996, with Irish columnist John Waters, leading to a custody battle that ended in 1999 with Roisin living with Waters in Dublin.
O’Connor married British journalist Nick Sommerlad in 2001, but they separated in 2002. Her third child, Shane, was born on March 10, 2004, with Irish musician Dónal Lunny. Her fourth child, Yeshua, was born on December 19, 2006, with Frank Bonadio.
She married Steve Cooney in 2010, but they separated in 2011. Her final marriage was to Irish therapist Barry Herridge in December 2011, ending shortly after. O’Connor’s first grandson was born to her son Jake on July 18, 2015.
Tragically, her son Shane died by suicide on January 7, 2022, leading to O’Connor’s criticism of the Health Service Executive for their handling of his case. Following his death, O’Connor was hospitalized after expressing suicidal thoughts.
Other Relationships
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers claimed to have had a relationship with O’Connor in 1990, which she denied. O’Connor also had a contentious encounter with Prince, the writer of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which she detailed in her memoir.
Sexuality Orientation
In a 2000 interview with Curve, Sinéad O’Connor stated she was a lesbian. She later retracted this and, in 2005, told Entertainment Weekly that she was “three-quarters heterosexual, a quarter gay.”
In 2013, O’Connor wrote an open letter to Miley Cyrus, cautioning her about the music industry’s treatment of women and the role of sexuality. This was in response to Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” music video. Cyrus mocked O’Connor and mentioned her mental health issues, but after O’Connor’s death, she publicly apologized for her previous remarks.
Politics Involvement
Sinéad O’Connor was a strong advocate for a united Ireland, urging Sinn Féin to be “braver.” She called for the dissolution of the Republic of Ireland in favor of a new, united country and believed key Sinn Féin politicians like Gerry Adams should step down due to their associations with the Troubles.
In 2014, O’Connor refused to perform in Israel to protest the state’s treatment of Palestinians, expressing sympathy for their plight.
In a 2015 BBC interview, she remarked that Ireland might have been better off under British rule, citing the negative impact of the church’s dominance post-independence. After the 2016 Brexit referendum, she declared on Facebook, “Ireland is officially no longer owned by Britain.”
Conclusion
Sinéad O’Connor’s life was marked by her powerful voice, fearless activism, and unwavering advocacy for social and political causes. From her breakout hit “Nothing Compares 2 U” to her outspoken stances on issues like child abuse and political freedom, she left an indelible mark on music and society. Despite personal struggles and controversies, her legacy as a trailblazing artist and passionate advocate remains influential and inspiring.
