Sinead O’Connor’s Death Mourned by Garbage, Alanis Morissette, Irish President & More: ‘Godspeed Dear Fragile Dove’

Following the news Wednesday (July 26) of Sinéad O’Connor‘s death at age 56, the Irish singer/songwriter’s friends and admirers hit social media with condolences and tributes.

O’Connor is best remembered for the song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a heart-wrenching, Prince-penned ballad that made her a global superstar and climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. Beyond the hit song, she also made headlines for her trademark buzzed hairstyle and incendiary public persona, including ripping a photo of the Pope during a performance on Saturday Night Live in 1992 as she implored the audience to “fight the real enemy.”

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Sinead O’Connor, ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ Singer, Dead at 56

Leo Varadkar — Ireland’s taoiseach, or prime minister — shared his condolences via Twitter for their native daughter. “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.” Michael Martin — Ireland’s tánaiste (deputy head of government), minister for foreign affairs, and minister for defense — also paid tribute via Twitter, calling O’Connor “one of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond.”

O’Connor’s family shared this statement with the BBC: “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.”

Below, find more tributes to O’Connor:

Garbage via Instagram: “I’m heartbroken . This disgusting world broke her and kept on breaking her. Godspeed dear fragile dove. Thank you for all the beauty and all the wise teachings you offered up to us. I wish you nothing but peace and I will love you for all of time.”

Alanis Morissette via Instagram: “Sinead was a profound inspiration to many. And to me. Her passion, poetry, and unapologetic expression raised the bar on artistry and female empowerment. Her questioning of societal norms deeply influenced culture’s appreciation of female complexity. Her ability to vulnerably dwell on the small part of the bell-shaped curve was thought provoking, stirring and inspiring. I’m feeling empathy for Ireland, for the world, and for all of us who are saddened by this news.”

Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan via Instagram: “Fiercely honest and sweet and funny, she was talented in ways I’m not sure she completely understood. But Sinead stands alone as a figure from our generation who was always true to the piercing voice within and without. And for that I will always admire and respect her. And never forget that she was cancelled for an act of simple resistance. Her crime? Tearing up a photo.”

Ice-T via Twitter: “Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy.”

Conor McGregor via Twitter: “The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel. Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend. Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.”

Bryan Adams via Twitter: “RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family.”

Melissa Etheridge via Twitter: “This is such a tragedy. What a loss. She was haunted all her life. What a talent. I remember my first Grammy show meeting this small shy Irish girl. #Sinead #RIPSinead”

Jamie Lee Curtis via Instagram: “I once heard Sìnead sing acappella in an empty chapel in Ireland. It was under construction at the private home of our host. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard in my life. We then went together to see Eminem at a festival. I loved her. Her music. Her life. She was a victim of child abuse and a huge change agent for unfair and unjust draconian laws that she helped change in Ireland. She was a warrior. She was a rebel. She ripped up a photograph that was on her mother’s wall because of the hypocrisy of the abusive life she was raised in under the banner of the church. This is so sad. Watch the NOTHING COMPARES documentary. Brilliant. Heartbreaking. Rest well. Rest in power. Rest in peace.”

Massive Attack via Twitter: “Sinead. Devastated. How do you eulogize someone that you never knew well, but were blessed to have the honor of working with? Honestly. To bear witness to her voice, intimately in the studio. On the road every single person stopped – dropped their tools during soundcheck. The fire in her eyes made you understand that her activism was a soulful reflex & not a political gesture. ‘Don’t be afraid/ Open your mouth to say/ Say what your soul sings to you.’”

Tegan and Sara via Instagram: “This was the last concert we saw in Feb 2020. A month later we went into lockdown. Lifelong dream to see her, and we sang our hearts out. Can’t express what an absolutely massive impact Sinead O’Connor had on us from childhood through adulthood. Her voice, her brain, her bravery.”

R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe via Instagram: “There are no words. #sineadoconnor”

Irish President Michael D. Higgins via Twitter: “May I send my deepest condolences to Sinéad O’Connor’s father John, the members of her family and to all those with whom she shared her life. My first reaction on hearing the news of Sinéad’s loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice. What was striking in all of the recordings she made and in all of her appearances was the authenticity of the performance, while her commitment to the delivery of the song and its meaning was total. To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn’t but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been. What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her. The way in which she was able to move across the different forms of the arts was a singular achievement, as was the way her voice went around the world and how it was received. Her accomplishments included a body of work for film through the production of perfectly chosen and widely acclaimed lyrics. Sinéad O’Connor’s voice and delivery was in so many different ways original, extraordinary and left one with a deep impression that to have accomplished all she did while carrying the burden which she did was a powerful achievement in its own way. 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.”

Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy via Instagram: “In memory of Sinead O Connor. May she rest in the lap of Compassion.”

Margo Price via Twitter: “I hope Sinéad O’Connor finds the peace she’s been seeking. I’ll never forget watching her rip up a photograph of Pope on SNL in an act of protest against sex abuse in the Catholic Church and thinking, what a badass. Way ahead of her time and gone too soon.”

Filter’s Richard Patrick via Instagram: “She will be missed. #love #respect.”

Tim Burgess via Twitter: “Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace x.”

Shinedown via Instagram: “‘Nothing compares to you…’ Sinéad Marie Bernadette O’Conner. Godspeed, and safe journey”

Empress Of via Twitter: “RIP to legend Sinead”

Ryan Tubridy via Instagram: “Like everyone, I’m devastated by awful news about Sinead. We spoke days ago and she was as kind, powerful, passionate, determined and decent as ever. This photo is from the night I went with my mum to see her in Vicar St. Rest in peace Sinead, you were ahead of your time and deserve whatever peace comes your way.”

Marian Keyes via Twitter: “Oh lord, this is heartbreaking. How she suffered. Poor, poor Sinead. Rest in peace, you amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder.”

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