Sinead O'Connor's Family Revealed: An Intimate Look into Her Children's Life and Their Unique Connections
Discover the remarkable family of iconic Irish singer Sinead O'Connor, who left a lasting legacy before her passing in July 2023 Meet her four children and their fathers: Jake Reynolds, Roisin Waters, and Shane Lunny
Sinéad O’Connor, the renowned singer of "Nothing Compares 2 U," embraced motherhood and defied her record label's pressure to undergo an abortion when she discovered she was pregnant with her son, Jake, in June 1987. Tragically, she passed away in July 2023, leaving behind a legacy as a mother of four. In her memoir, Rememberings, published in 2021, O'Connor candidly shared her experience of standing firm in her decision to keep her child despite external pressures.
Three years after giving birth to Jake, O'Connor became pregnant with her second child. However, due to her relationship struggles, she made the difficult choice to undergo a medical abortion in 1990. In a 1991 interview with Spin Magazine, O'Connor explained, "Although the pregnancy had been planned, I was deeply in love with the child's father, but unfortunately, things didn't work out between us. Our relationship was tumultuous, and I was frequently on tour and feeling unwell. I felt lost and uncertain about what to do, especially since the father showed little interest in the child. Ultimately, I decided it was best not to proceed with the pregnancy. I believed that in the future, when the child's father would be present and involved, I could have a child. Handling it alone seemed overwhelming to me at the time."
She said at that moment, "Although it took me a year to move on, I am convinced that it was the right choice. I have faith that if a child is destined to be born, it will come into this world."
Following their separation in 1991, O'Connor discovered love with Irish journalist John Waters. They happily welcomed their daughter Roison in March 1995, but eventually went their separate ways. Additionally, the Grammy nominee has sons named Shane and Yeshua from previous relationships with Donal Lunny and Frank Bonadio, respectively.
Continue reading to get introduced to the four children of O'Connor:
Jake Reynolds
Sinéad O’Connor and Jake Reynolds. Ken McKay/Shutterstock
Amid O’Connor’s first marriage to Reynolds, who produced her debut album, they welcomed son Jake.
Roison Waters
Jake experienced the joy of parenthood in 2015 when his partner, Lia, gave birth to their baby boy. "OMG! I am just a few hours away from realizing the greatest dream of my life! #Granny," O'Connor excitedly posted on Facebook in July, shortly before their little one arrived. "This is dedicated to Lia and Jake and their precious angel, who accompanied me in Las Vegas last week while I was performing the Foggy Dew."
Sinéad O’Connor and Roisin Waters. BEINT/YouTube
O’Connor and Waters separated prior to engaging in a heated dispute over the custody of their daughter Roisin. The matter was eventually resolved in 1999, with O’Connor consenting to have Roisin, who was then 2 years old, permanently reside with her father in Dublin.
Shane Lunny
In 2004, O'Connor welcomed her third child, a son named Shane, who she co-parented with folk singer Lunny.
In January 2022, Shane was reported as missing in Newbridge, Ireland, after being placed on suicide watch at the age of 17. O'Connor later confirmed his passing several days later.
Yeshua Bonadio
O’Connor welcomed her youngest son with Bonadio in 2006.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
