Sinéad O’Connor Dead at 56: Jamie Lee Curtis and More Pay Tribute
The world is mourning the loss of Sinéad O'Connor after news of the acclaimed "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer's death broke.
While no details surrounding the musician's death have been revealed at this time, The Irish Times confirmed that she has passed at the age of 56, and colleagues and fans are now taking to social media to share their favorite memories of O'Connor and pay tribute to her.
Jamie Lee Curtis shared a memory of listening to O'Connor sing a cappella in an empty Irish chapel. "It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard in my life," she recalled. The two then went to see Eminem perform together. "I loved her. Her music. Her life," she continued. "Rest well. Rest in power. Rest in peace," she added at the end.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe also shared a photo on Instagram, writing, "I hope you are at peace … and with your baby boy. Thank you for sharing your soul with us and soothing us with your incredible voice beautiful Sinéad. ?? RIP."
Singer-songwriter Tori Amos called her a "force of nature" and "A brilliant songwriter & performer whose talent we will not see the like of again."
Gracie McGraw simply wrote, "???? Sinéad," on her own account.
Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach (also known as the prime minister of Ireland), wrote on Twitter, "Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor."
He continued, "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."
Singer Kathleen Edwards called her "a hero to every woman for her determination to be herself and to speak her truth."
Sinead O’Connor is a hero to every woman for her determination to be herself and to speak her truth.
— Kathleen Edwards (@kittythefool) July 26, 2023
Eric Alper, a radio host and industry PR professional who worked with the Irish singer on numerous albums, noted, "I have always said this when someone passes, but I mean it more than ever: May she rest in peace."
I worked with Sinead O'Connor for several albums but adored her from the start.
I have always said this when someone passes, but I mean it more than ever: May she rest in peace.
She deserves it, wanted it, strived for it and could never achieve it.
I will miss her greatly. pic.twitter.com/vqRwI3fVlS— Eric Alper ?? (@ThatEricAlper) July 26, 2023
He also applauded her candor when it came to her mental health. "By sharing her experiences openly, she has encouraged others to seek support, sparking conversations in the music industry and beyond," he said.
Sinead O'Connor's public struggles with mental health issues have shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and destigmatization.
By sharing her experiences openly, she has encouraged others to seek support, sparking conversations in the music industry and beyond.— Eric Alper ?? (@ThatEricAlper) July 26, 2023
Publicist Danny Deraney also took to Twitter to look back on her cover of the Prince track, writing, that she "made it her own and turned it into one the biggest hits of a new decade."
RIP Sinead O'Connor.
She took a Prince song and made it her own and turned it into one the biggest hits of a new decade.
Took on the church when people were too afraid and knew it could (and would) destroy her career. pic.twitter.com/1D98iAg487— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 26, 2023
Fans, too, spoke out following the news, sharing more of their favorite activist moments from the late performer. See more posts in her honor below:
Sinead O’Connor just died. She was heavily criticized in 1992 for tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live, condemning of paedophilia in the Catholic Church. She was right all along.
pic.twitter.com/GJJ6lPduSo— ??????????recκ ? (@joeywreck) July 26, 2023
Sinéad O'Connor was brilliant, smart and courageous as fuck. I hope she’s remembered for her sense of humour, too.
Here she is attending an anti-Sinéad O'Connor demonstration in disguise. Truly one of a kind ?? pic.twitter.com/6OLBrMncxR— James (@DrJamesJBailey) July 26, 2023
Sinead O’Connor was a trailblazer. Fearless, uncompromising & a superlative talent. Proved to be ahead of her time, again & again. Her passing at 56 is a devastating loss.
This snippet from an all-timer of a live rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U perfectly captures her spirit. pic.twitter.com/g84TrBTIwb— Steven (@Steven_Armour) July 26, 2023
Absolutely heartbroken to hear of Sinead O’Connor passing today.
Sinead showed huge support for people living with HIV. Here she wears a Dublin AIDS Alliance (now @HIVIreland) tee on the Late Late show in 1990.
A very different Ireland then and now - more so with losing her ?? pic.twitter.com/YXAFsRUDH7— Adam Shanley (@Adlers1) July 26, 2023
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