Sinead O’Connor’s grieving family has issued a heartbreaking statement after the mother-of-three passed away at the age of 56.

Born Sinead Marie Bernadette O’Connor on December 8, 1966, the singer rose to popularity in the late 1980s after she released her debut album ‘The Lion and the Cobra.’

Her interest in music started in 1979, when her truancy and shoplifting problems led her being placed in a Magdalene Asylum for 18 months.

That’s when she developed her writing and music and she was discovered by the drummer of Irish band Tua Nua.

In 1990, she managed to achieve global success with a new arrangement of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U.’

In a heartbreaking statement after the Irish singer’s passing, her devastated family wrote: “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.”

Her tragic death came after she announced the passing of her son Shane, 17, in January last year.

She took to social media and said: “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.”

She continued: “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace.”

She and her son shared a close bond, with people commenting on their similarities.

In Sinead’s final post on social media, she shared a photo of her late son on Twitter and wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. . He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally.

“I am lost without him.”

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