Dolores O’Riordan, singer and songwriter of Irish rock band the Cranberries, died unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 15 in. The causes of her death have not been made public. She was 46.
According to O’Riordan’s publicist Lindsay Holmes, the Irish singer died in London where she was recording. Holmes told the Associated Press, “Family members are devastated to hear the news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Founded in Limerick, Ireland, O’Riordan was The Cranberries’ chief lyricist and co-songwriter rising to international fame in the 90s. Her powerful, distinctive vocals led to successful hits like Zombie and Linger.
The Cranberries’ 1993 debut album “Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” reached no. 1 on the UK and Irish Album Charts, and no. 18 on the U.S. Billboard 200 Album chart. O’Riordan was known for her strong Limerick accent, and had released two solo albums, 2007’s “Are You Listening?” and 2009’s “No Baggage.”
The official Cranberries Twitter account posted a note from bandmates Noel, Mike and Fergal later Monday: “We are devastated on the passing of our friend Dolores. She was an extraordinary talent and we feel very privileged to have been part of her life from 1989 when we started the Cranberries. The world has lost a true artist today.”
O’Riordan is survived by her ex-husband, former Duran Duran tour manager Don Burton, and their three children 20-year-old son Taylor, 16-year-old daughter Molly and 12-year-old daughter Dakota.