Singer Sinead O'Connor dies aged 56 - Irish media

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor performs on stage during the Carthage Jazz Festival in Tunis April 4, 2013. The festival runs till April 14. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi/File Photo

DUBLIN (Reuters) -Irish singer Sinead O'Connor, known for topping the charts around the world with the 1990 song "Nothing Compares 2 U", has died at the age of 56, Irish national broadcaster RTE quoted her family as saying on Wednesday.

"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," RTE quoted a statement from the singer's family as saying.