Sinead O’Connor once ripped photo of Pope live on TV to condemn child abuse in Catholic Church

In the immediate aftermath of her death, her family issued a statement to RTE reading: "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."

The songwriter, who never shied from speaking her mind and her truth, released ten studio albums, with Nothing Compares 2 U reaching the number one world single spot back in 1990.

Her debut album The Lion and The Cobra was released in 1987 and her second album, I Do Not Want What I haven't Got sold more than seven million copies across the world.

Following the news of her death, people have taken to social media to share many thousands of tributes to O'Connor.

Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, paid tribute to O'Connor writing: "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.

"Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music. Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam."

Many have also been remembering O'Connor for her bravery, with many pointing to her infamous appearance on Saturday Night Live back in 1992 when she was heavily criticised for tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II in protest against paedophilia in the Catholic Church.

O'Connor found herself crucified by many following her controversial action, but now, many are saying that O'Connor was right all along with some going so far as to label O'Connor as 'prophetic'.

O'Connor will be remembered long after her death not only as a fantastic musician and songwriter, but as an artist who fought throughout her life for everything she believed in.

A true artist.

Our thoughts go out to O'Connor's family and friends during this awful time.