The 56-year-old singer rose to fame in the 1990s after her cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U thrilled fans across the globe.
Following the success of her take on the classic, the track became the lead song on her debut album The Lion and the Cobra – which she released in 1987.
News of her death was reported initially by The Irish Times and has since been confirmed by her family who released a statement to RTE that read: ‘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.’
Tributes to the late Irish star poured in as heartbroken fans expressed their grief at the loss of a musical icon.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar shared: ‘Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare.’
Laura Whitmore posted her tribute to Instagram and said: ‘Sinead was the biggest star I ever met. And I was so starstruck I barely spoke.
‘In many ways a star that shone so bright it was probably hard to cope having that much talent. The most beautiful voice, face and aura.
‘As an Irish woman growing up in the 90s she was everything, showing girls were cool, Irish women could be recognised globally and shaved heads not just for guys – though not a look I could carry off.
‘My mam told everyone who visited Sinead lived on our road – she was our royalty. Rest in peace Queen x.’
English musician Tim Burgess added: ‘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.’
Comedian Dara Ó Briain shared: ‘Ah s***e, Sinead O’Connor has died. That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her [sic].’
Sharon Osbourne posted a photo of the late singer on her Instagram and wrote: ‘Voice of an angel. Rest in peace’.
Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor – who O’Connor once sang into the ring for a UFC fight in Las Vegas – said in a tweet: ‘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.’
Author Marian Keyes penned: ‘Oh lord, this is heartbreaking. How she suffered.
‘Poor, poor Sinead. Rest in peace, you amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder.’
American rapper and actor Ice T left: ‘Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy’, accompanied by a praying hands emoji.
Irish Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: ‘Devastated to hear of the passing of Sinead O’Connor.
‘One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond.
‘Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.’
Pop group Jedward: ‘Rest in Peace Sinead O’Connor very sad to hear the news. True Irish Icon of our Generation! We only just met her this year and she was in good spirits, a very welcoming person with a big heart [sic].’
The executive producer of Outlander Maril Davis tweeted: ‘On behalf of the entire cast (and) crew of Outlander we are deeply saddened about the news of Sinead’s passing.
‘She was an incredible talent (and) working with her on this season’s main title song was a true honor.
‘Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.’
Caitlin Moran noted: ‘Sinead: and she was the first to talk about abuse in the Catholic church – tearing up the picture of the Pope on TV – but 99% of the music industry hung her out to dry.
‘She was decades before her time, and fearless. Rest in power, queen.’
The Blindboy Podcast also said: ‘Rest in Peace Sineàd, what an awful shock.’
MORE : Irish music legend Sinead O’Connor dies aged 56
MORE : Clip of Sinéad O’Connor tearing up photo of the Pope met with cheers at film festival 30 years after controversy
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