Sinéad O’Connor, the Irish singer known for her frequent brushes with controversy, died Wednesday at the age of 56.

O'Connor rose to global fame in 1990 with her song "Nothing Compares 2 U," but her musical career was often overshadowed by her erratic and provocative behavior.

She was found "unresponsive" in her home in London, but no cause of death has been released yet. However, police say there is nothing suspicious.

Sinead O'Connor dies

Her family confirmed the death in a statement.

"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 singer’s family said in a statement reported by the BBC and RTE.

The singer was known for her distinctive shaved head and provocations on various subjects, especially the Catholic church.

In her most infamous controversy, O'Connor tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in protest of the child sexual abuse scandal within the church, declaring, "fight the real enemy."

Actor Joe Pesci, who hosted SNL the week after, said he would have smacked O'Connor if he had the opportunity.

Controversial life

O'Connor had no regrets about the controversy, later saying it released her from the "prison" of fame.

"I feel that having a No1 record derailed my career,” she wrote in her 2021 memoir Rememberings, “and my tearing the photo put me back on the right track."

She also caused controversy by supporting the Irish Republican Army and angered Frank Sinatra when she called for a ban of the U.S. national anthem at one of her shows.

While her political commentary made her a polarizing figure, her musical gifts were universally recognized.

She captured the world with her moving cover of the Prince ballad "Nothing Compares 2 U," declared the No. 1 World Single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. The song's famous music video features an intimately close shot of O'Connor singing into the camera.

Troubled artist suffered tragedy

Towards the end of her life, O'Connor converted to Islam and changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.

She suffered tragedy last January when she lost her son Shane to suicide. O'Connor had three other children and was married four times.

In the wake of her death, she was praised by many fans - including fellow musicians - for her authenticity.

"She had the courage to speak when everyone else stayed safely silent. She was harassed simply for being herself. Her eyes finally closed in search of a soul she could call her own," Morrissey, of the Smiths, said.