The family of the late Sinéad O’Connor have thanked the singer’s fans for their messages of love and support following her passing.
In July, the Nothing Compares 2 U hitmaker passed away at the age of 56 and was laid to rest at a ceremony in the Irish town of Bray this month.
On the noticeboard of The Irish Times, O’Connor’s family shared an extended statement, writing: “The children of Sinéad together with Sinéad’s extended family wish to thank the countless kind people who sympathised and offered condolences on Sinéad’s recent passing. Their helpful support for the family is much appreciated.”
Thanking people including Irish President Michael D Higgins, they added: “Our thanks to the media personnel in general at home and abroad who celebrated Sinéad in song and story while showing respect for the privacy requested by the family. We ask that this privacy continue to be respected.
“Finally, we wish to thank Sinéad’s fans and admirers for the wonderful funeral procession they gave her past her old home in Bray and for the national and international outpouring of love and affection for Sinéad from the time of her passing. The prayers and thanks of the extended O’Connor family are with you all.”
Bob Geldof and Bono were among those who were present to pay tribute to O’Connor at her funeral on August 8.
The singer’s family announced her passing at the age of 56 last Wednesday evening, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans worldwide.
On Thursday, representatives from the Metropolitan Police revealed O’Connor was found unresponsive at a property in London and pronounced dead at the scene.
“Police were called at 11:18hrs on Wednesday, 26 July to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area,” they said. “Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Officials from London Inner South Coroner’s Court added that no medical cause was given in the death and an autopsy will be carried out.
Throughout her career, the singer-songwriter released 10 studio albums including the global No. 1, ‘I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got’ (1990), and also scored hits like The Emperor’s New Clothes, Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home and Mandinka.
In 1991, she won the BRIT Award for International Female Solo Artist and was nominated for four Grammys, of which she won Best Alternative Music Performance for her seminal second album.
The previous year, Billboard named the Prince-penned Nothing Compares 2 U the No.1 World Single.
At the time of her death, the musician was believed to be spending her time between Co Roscommon, Ireland, and London. She is survived by her three children. Her son, Shane, died last year aged 17.
Shortly prior to her passing, O’Connor appeared optimistic about the future of her career and shared plans for the next two years on social media, including details of the album release and subsequent tour.
She said in a Facebook post from 12 July: “Hi all, recently moved back to London after 23 years absence. Very happy to be home. Soon finishing my album. Release early next year. Hopefully touring Australia and New Zealand toward end 2024. Europe, USA and other territories beginning early 2025. [sic]”
