Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, known for her unapologetic spirit and powerful voice, left behind a $1.7 million estate to her children, along with instructions to continue profiting from her music after her death.
Newly released legal documents obtained by The US Sun reveal that following outstanding debts, legal fees, and funeral costs, O’Connor’s estate was reduced to $1.4 million. Despite the financial adjustments, the Nothing Compares 2 U singer’s will reflected her characteristic candor—leaving explicit directions for her children to ensure her music continued to generate revenue.
Sinéad O’Connor’s controversial last wish
A 2013 will written by O’Connor gave her children full control over her music catalog after her passing. In a strikingly blunt statement, she encouraged them to “milk it for what it’s worth.”
The will states that the decision to release or withhold her music should be made at the discretion of any of her children who are over 18. O’Connor’s instructions reflect her understanding of the music industry’s financial potential and suggest she wanted her children to benefit from her legacy.
The document also detailed personal requests regarding her funeral. She asked to be buried in priest attire, with a Hebrew Bible and her album Theology placed inside her coffin.
Additionally, she left her beloved guitar collection to her youngest son, 18-year-old Yeshua Bonadio, while her religious artifacts were meant for her late son Shane, who tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 17.
“My children can dispense my ashes as they see fit,” O’Connor wrote in her will, entrusting them with final decisions about her remains.
A mother’s grief: The loss that shattered O’Connor
O’Connor’s death in July 2023 shocked fans around the world. The 56-year-old singer was found unresponsive at her London home on July 26, with authorities later confirming her passing.
Many believe O’Connor died of a broken heart, as she was still mourning the loss of her son, Shane, who passed away in January 2022.
After Shane’s death, O’Connor publicly blamed an Irish hospital for failing to prevent his suicide, revealing that he had been on suicide watch at Tallaght Hospital’s Lynn Ward. She later demanded accountability on social media, expressing anger over the circumstances surrounding her son’s passing.
“How has a 17-year-old traumatized young person WHO WAS ON SUICIDE WATCH been able to go missing?”O’Connor wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
She further accused the hospital of refusing to take responsibility, suggesting she had considered legal action.
Despite her outspoken criticism of institutions and the industry, O’Connor’s will demonstrates her deep love for her children, ensuring they would have both financial security and control over her artistic legacy.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.