Tributes are flowing for Irish singer Sinead O'Connor who has died aged 56.
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The singer was best known for Nothing Compares 2 U, written by Prince, and her outspoken views.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time," her family said in a statement reported by Irish media RTE.
O'Connor's first of 10 albums The Lion and the Cobra was released in 1987.
But some of her most famous moments came with controversy.
In 1991 she refused to accept a Grammy in protest of the awards' "false and materialistic values".
And performing on Saturday Night Live in the US she tore up a photo of the Pope and said "fight the real enemy", to shine a light on child abuse.
Ireland's national domestic violence and abuse organisation paid tribute to O'Connor.
"Thank you Sinéad. For your fearless voice and courageous light. You truly challenged an Ireland, and a world, that stifled women, children and anyone who didn't conform," Women's Aid Ireland said on Twitter.
"Your power, your anger, your pain and fragility gave strength to many survivors to speak out."
O'Connor was born in Dublin in 1966 and had four children.
Her 17-year-old son Shane took his own life in 2022.
In 2018 O'Connor converted to Islam and changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat, but remained Sinead O'Connor professionally.
Friends and fans pay tribute
Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar offered his condolences to her family, friends and those who loved her music.
"Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O'Connor. Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare," he said in a tweet.
English broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid tribute to O'Connor on Twitter.
"Wondrously gifted singer, and fiercely intelligent, highly amusing, complex, uncompromising, provocative woman with many demons," he said.
"Knew her for 35 years and we had some ferocious spats but also some great Guinness-fuelled make-ups. She was a unique character. Sad day."
Meanwhile Canadian musician Bryan Adams said he "loved working" with O'Connor, making photos and performing gigs together in Ireland.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
With Australian Associated Press
