Fans have been remembering a heartbreaking vow the late Sinead O'Connor made after the death of her son Shane Lunny in 2022.
The singer's family announced the news of her death at the age of 56 on Wednesday, sharing a short statement with fans.
They said: "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."
O'Connor left behind three children - Jake Reynolds, Roisin Walters, and Yeshua Bonadio - with Lunny having died by suicide last year.
O'Connor had given birth to Lunny in 2004 with Irish folk musician Donal Lunny. She revealed how close she was with her son in 2021, telling people he was a "real mommy's boy" who wanted to follow in her footsteps by pursuing a career in music.
Lunny died at the age of 17 in January 2022 after taking his own life shortly after escaping a hospital where he had been on suicide watch, O'Connor revealed at the time.
She shared a tribute on Twitter at the time, writing: "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.
"May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace," she added.
At the time, she also made a heartbreaking vow that she would never sing again following Lunny's death, writing: "Just to say, suggestions there’ll be any performances this year or next year or ever again are erroneous.
"There will never be anything to sing about again."
Lunny's death had hit O'Connor hard and she revealed she had been hospitalized after sharing concerning tweets which were later deleted.
She wrote at the time: "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I am with cops now on way to hospital. I’m sorry I upset everyone. I am lost without my kid and I hate myself. Hospital will help a while."
O'Connor added: "I’m sorry for what I tweeted yesterday. I’m very upset. My son was the love of my life. [...] I am ruined without my son."
In some of her final Twitter posts in the days before her own death, O'Connor paid tribute to Lunny and how much she missed him in the 18 months since his death.
She wrote alongside a photo of them embracing during happier times: "#lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022.
"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 in the bardo without him."
She also shared a link to the Great Tibetan Compassion Mantra, which she dedicated to "all mothers of suicided children".
O'Connor's cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Our thoughts remain with her family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
