Nothing compared to Sinéad O’Connor, and the world of entertainment is showing its love for the alternative rock icon.
The Irish singer’s death was announced Wednesday, per a family statement obtained by the BBC. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” O’Connor’s family said in the statement.
She was 56. A cause of death has not been revealed. USA TODAY has reached out to O’Connor’s representatives for comment.
O’Connor’s death comes more than a year after her 17-year-old son, Shane, died by suicide in January 2022.
Stars shared tributes on social media, expressing their appreciation for the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis said the news of O’Connor’s death was “so sad” and recalled a moment she shared with the singer during a trip to Ireland.
“I once heard Sìnead sing acappella in an empty chapel in Ireland. It was under construction at the private home of our host,” Curtis wrote. “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. … Rest well. Rest in power. Rest in peace.”
Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge called O’Connor’s death “such a tragedy.”
“What a loss,” Etheridge wrote on Twitter. “She was haunted all her life. What a talent. I remember my first Grammy show meeting this small shy Irish girl.”
Irish actress Caitríona Balfe shared a throwback photo of O’Connor on Instagram and praised her musical presence.
“I hope you are at peace … and with your baby boy,” Balfe wrote. “Thank you for sharing your soul with us and soothing us with your incredible voice beautiful Sinéad.”
Rapper and actor Ice T commended O’Connor for her outspokenness as a public figure. “Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…,” Ice T tweeted. “Rest Easy.”
Broadcaster and author Caitlin Moran called O’Connor “the greatest voice of her generation.“
“She was decades before her time, and fearless,” Moran wrote. “Rest in power, queen.”
English singer-songwriter and Yazoo vocalist Alison Moyet said she was “heavy hearted at the loss of Sinead O’Connor.”
“Wanted to reach out to her often but didn’t,” Moyet tweeted. “Astounding presence. Voice that cracked stone with force (and) by increment. As beautiful as any girl around (and) never traded on that card. I loved that about her.”
Rock singer Bryan Adams remembered his musical colleague with a sweet tribute on Twitter.
“RIP Sinéad O’Connor,” Adams wrote. “I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family.”
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Contributing: Patrick Ryan and Elise Brisco, USA TODAY
