U2 Frontman Bono Expressed His Admiration For Sinèad O'Connor's Talent

Bono is undoubtedly a fan of the written word.

The singer released his memoir, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story," late last year, and penned a series written in appreciation of the most influential songs of his life when he turned 60.

Bono, (born Paul Hewson), called the series "60 Songs That Saved My Life." Among the entries he included Sinead O'Connor's "You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart," released on a 'Best Of' compilation of the late singer's work in the mid-nineties. O'Connor's passing at 56 years old was announced on Wednesday.

The "I Will Follow" singer chronicled his admiration for multiple artists included in the project via open letters. In addition to Billie Eilish, Bono wrote to O'Connor, and detailed how he felt upon hearing O'Connor's music for the first time.

Many celebrities paid tribute to O'Connor on social media following the announcement of her death. Many of Bono's musician peers including Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go's, and rapper Ice-T, shared their condolences and memories of the singer on Wednesday night.

O'Connor's family had announced her passing in a statement per the BBC and the RTE on Wednesday.

"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 time," the statement read. (via The New York Times)

More details surrounding O'Connor's death were shared later on.

The "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer had been found "unresponsive" at her London-based home. She was "pronounced dead at the scene" as well. An autopsy has yet to be conducted and it could be up to "several weeks" before the process is completed. In addition, London's Inner South Coroner's Court also reported "no medical cause of death" had been issued. (per The BBC)

O'Connor released 10 albums between 1987 and 2014. Her debut "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" included the hit which catapulted her to fame:A cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U." Actress Valerie Bertinelli cited the record as one of her all time favorites in her tribute to O'Connor.

In addition to a 'Greatest Hits' compilation, Bono's favorite song of O'Connor's had been originally released on the soundtrack of the 1994 film "In The Name Of The Father." U2 also collaborated with O'Connor on the song, "I Am Not Your Baby," which also appeared on the soundtrack for "The End Of Violence."

In his letter, Bono wrote, "Sinéad, I heard your voice first as a teenager. maybe you were 15 or 16. It was a demo of a song called 'Take My Hand' from Steve Wickham's newly formed band in Tua Nua and I felt I had stumbled upon a new land with its own unique voice. I was impressed as everyone else with all the great singing and the songs along the way," he continued, "but the next time I was moved like this was at a solo show here in Dublin where you sang 'Thief' and you stole my heart all over again," he went on.

"The song was written quickly by me, Gavin Friday, and the Man Seezer for the award winning 'In The Name Of The Father' starring Daniel Day Lewis. Jim Sheridan said something like 'Even though it's in 'In The Name Of The Father,' it's all about the mother. A man can't sing this song. Mother Ireland needs a woman's voice,' Bono detailed further.

"It was record in STS studios in Dublin with great sensitivity by Tim Simenon... you lit candles," he recalled, before signing off, "Peace be with you, Bono." (via The Irish Post)

Bono's colleague Chrissie Hynde paid tribute to O'Connor upon her death. The Pretenders' frontwoman described O'Connor as being "a really fun person." The singer also said she was "glad" O'Connor "got out" of the pain she privately, and often publicly, felt. (per The Blast).