Iconic Irish singer Sinead O'Connor dies at 56

Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor in concert on the first night of the Toender Folk Music Festival in Toender, on the south western part of Denmark on Aug. 23, 2013. O’Connor, the gifted Irish singer-songwriter who became a superstar in her mid-20s but was known as much for her private struggles and provocative actions as for her fierce and expressive music, has died at 56. — Photo: AP

Irish pop singer Sinead O'Connor, who shot to worldwide fame in the 1990s, has died at the age of 56, Irish media reported on Wednesday.

Her family said it was 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," Irish national broadcaster RTE reported.