The late, great Sinead O’Connor had a legacy like no other—and now, shocking details from her will have revealed the iconic singer’s final wishes, including a heartfelt message to her children and a unique request for her burial.
The “Nothing Compares 2 U” hitmaker, who tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 56, left behind a £1.7 million estate and a bold message to her children: “milk it for what it’s worth.”
Irish probate records show that after covering debts, funeral costs, and legal fees, her estate was valued at £1.4 million, a fortune she hoped her children would wisely manage by continuing to capitalize on her timeless music.
Sinead O’Connor
A Mother’s Final Gift: Sinead’s Inheritance Plan
Despite her rocky relationship with the music industry, Sinead made it clear in her will—dated in 2013 before her conversion to Islam—that her music should continue to be released and sold, urging her children to “milk it” to ensure financial security.
“I direct that after my death, and at the discretion of any of my children who are then over 18, my albums are to be released so as to ‘milk it for what it’s worth,’” the will reportedly states.
Sinead, a mother of four, had a unique plan for dividing her personal belongings:
Her late son Shane, who tragically took his own life at 17, was meant to inherit her religious regalia, a nod to her deep spiritual beliefs.
Her youngest son, Yeshua Bonadio, now 18, was to receive her cherished guitar collection, a priceless memento of her musical journey.
Details of her British estate, which could potentially add to the wealth left behind, have yet to be disclosed.
Sinead O’Connor
A Unique Burial Request: Sinead’s Final Farewell
In true Sinead O’Connor fashion, the singer’s burial request reflected her deeply held beliefs and ever-evolving spiritual journey.
She requested to be dressed in priest clothing, a nod to her 1999 ordination as a Latin Tridentine priest, a title she held despite her outspoken criticism of the Catholic Church.
Her will also stated that she wished to be buried with two sacred items:
A Hebrew Bible, symbolizing her deep exploration of different faiths.
Her album “Theology,” which contained deeply spiritual reflections on life, faith, and existence.
A Life Marked by Tragedy
Sinead’s final years were filled with heartache, particularly following the tragic suicide of her beloved son Shane in 2022.
Just days before her own passing, Sinead penned an emotional social media post, expressing the profound grief she carried:
“Losing a kid isn’t good for the soul.”
Close friends and former collaborators believe that Sinead’s heartache over Shane’s loss may have ultimately contributed to her declining health.
Music journalist and close friend Dermott Hayes believes she died of a broken heart, stating:
“She never recovered from Shane’s death. It was too much for her.”
Sinead O’Connor
The Cause of Death: A Silent Battle
While rumors swirled after Sinead’s sudden passing, official reports confirmed that the Dublin-born singer died from the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma.
Her struggles with health, both physical and mental, had been well-documented throughout her life, and she often spoke openly about her battles with depression and trauma.
Sinead’s Complicated Relationship with the Catholic Church
O’Connor’s spiritual journey was as complex as her career. In 1999, she was ordained a priest within the Latin Tridentine Church, yet she remained one of the most vocal critics of the Catholic Church, accusing it of:
Covering up child abuse scandals.
Destroying “entire races of people” through colonization and oppression.
Failing to provide comfort and justice to victims of abuse.
Her bold, unapologetic statements often sparked controversy, but they also earned her admiration from those who shared her views.
Executor of the Estate: A Familiar Face
Sinead appointed her ex-husband John Reynolds, a music producer she married in 1987 and divorced in 1991, as the executor of her estate. Despite their split, the two remained close collaborators and shared a deep respect for one another.
Fans React to Sinead’s Final Wishes
News of Sinead’s will has sparked an emotional response from fans around the world, with many praising her honesty and foresight in ensuring her music lives on.
Social media reactions included:
“Sinead was always real. Of course, she’d tell her kids to milk her music. She knew how tough the industry was.”
“Her burial request is so unique, just like her. Rest in power, Sinead.”
“A true artist, even in death she’s leaving behind a legacy.”
What’s Next for Sinead’s Legacy?
With her children now in charge of her musical estate, fans are hopeful that more of Sinead’s unreleased work will soon come to light.
Whether it’s through posthumous releases or tribute projects, Sinead’s influence on music, culture, and activism will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Sinead O’Connor was never one to follow the rules—whether it was tearing up a photo of the Pope on live TV or challenging the music industry at every turn. Her final wishes reflect the same unapologetic spirit, ensuring that her legacy endures in a way that’s true to her.
And as for her children? They have their mother’s blessing to “milk it” and carry on the powerful message she left behind.
