Sinead O’Connor, the iconic Irish singer known for her powerful voice and unforgettable hits such as “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has reportedly left the majority of her estate-$1.7 million- to her children after her tragic passing in 2023. However, after covering debts, funeral expenses and legal fees, the final amount left for her heirs was reduced to $1.4 million, according to probate records obtained by the US Sun.
O’Connor, who passed away on July 26, 2023, at 56 years old, made her final wishes clear in a 2013 document. Among the most striking parts of her will, she directed that her music be released posthumously, under the discretion of her children who were over 18. She famously requested that her albums be “milked for what it’s worth.”
The document also specified that O’Connor should be dressed in priest clothing for her funeral, with a Hebrew bible and her 2007 album Theology placed alongside her in her coffin. O’Connor‘s religious and cultural interests were a central part of her life, and she made sure they were reflected in her final arrangements.
“My children can dispense my ashes as they see fit,” the will read.
O’Connor‘s youngest son, Yeshua Bonadio, was specifically named to inherit her guitar collection, while her late son Shane, who tragically died by suicide in 2022, was to receive her religious items.
O’Connor‘s ex-husband, John Reynolds, who was married to her from 1987 to 1991, was named as the executor of her estate.
Reynolds, a musician himself, has been tasked with carrying out her final wishes. While the details of her estate in Britain have not yet been made public, the contents of her Irish estate have been revealed to the public.
Cause of death
O’Connor‘s passing came just 18 months after the loss of her son Shane. The singer’s cause of death was attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, with a respiratory tract infection contributing to the tragic event.
Following her death, her family issued a statement to RTE, confirming her passing and requesting privacy during their time of mourning.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead,” the statement read. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”