Sinéad O’Connor, the Irish singer, and activist whose powerful voice and outspoken views made her a global star, died on Wednesday in London. She was 56.

O’Connor’s death was announced by her family in a statement. The cause of death was not immediately released.

O’Connor was born in Dublin in 1966. She began her music career in the early 1980s, and her debut album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” was released in 1987. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Mandinka.”

O’Connor’s music was often political and personal, and she was not afraid to speak her mind. In 1992, she caused a major controversy when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live. The gesture was in protest of the Catholic Church’s history of child abuse.

O’Connor’s career was often turbulent, but she continued to release music and tour throughout her life. She released her most recent album, “No Veteran Dies Alone,” in 2021.

In addition to her music career, O’Connor was also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She spoke openly about her own struggles with mental illness, and she founded the organization Spirited People to help others who were struggling.

O’Connor is survived by her four children: Jake, Roisin, Shane, and Yeshua.

She will be remembered as a talented musician, a powerful voice for social justice, and a courageous advocate for mental health awareness.

Tributes Pour in for Sinead O’Connor

Tributes have been pouring in for Sinead O’Connor following her death on Wednesday.

“Sinéad was a true artist, a rebel and a pioneer,” said singer Annie Lennox. “She was ahead of her time and never afraid to speak her truth. She will be missed.”

“Sinéad O’Connor was a powerful force in music and culture,” said singer-songwriter David Byrne. “Her voice was unique and unforgettable, and her words were always challenging and thought-provoking.”

“Sinéad O’Connor was a true icon,” said musician and activist Bono. “Her music and her voice will never be forgotten.”

O’Connor’s death is a loss to the music world and to the world at large. She was a brilliant artist and a courageous advocate, and she will be deeply missed.