IRISH music fans worldwide are mourning the death of legendary singer Sinead O'Connor who has tragically died aged just 56.
The Nothing Compares 2 U songstress' passing was confirmed by heartbroken family members in a statement on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead," they wrote.
"Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
It comes just 18 months after the tragic death of her teenage son Shane. The 17-year-old died after going missing from Tallaght Hospital in Dublin.
Police recovered his body in the Bray area of Wicklow following a huge search.
The singer described him as "the very light of my life" and said he had "decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God".
Celebrity friends flocked to pay tribute to Sinead tonight, with Piers Morgan dedicating his TalkTV show opener to the singer.
"We start the show with some very sad breaking news," he announced.
"She was a troubled and beautiful soul. Fearless, uncompromising, shocking, courageous. She was a rebel at heart.
"She took on the Catholic Church. She used a primetime performance on US TV to stage a protest, even as everybody told her it could ruin her career.
"Above all else, she enchanted millions with a song that’s known across the world and across the generations. Few people can truly say their voice defined an era.
"But Sinead’s did. Put simply, nothing compared to Sinead O’Connor."
President Michael D. Higgins also said Sinead O'Connor has contributed to "the great achievements of Irish women".
The Irish president paid tribute to the Dublin singer, saying: "Ireland has lost one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades".
"Sinead O'Connor’s voice and delivery was in so many different ways original.
"Her contribution joins those great achievements of Irish women who contributed to our lives, its culture and its history in their own unique but unforgettable ways.
"May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways."
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