Dolores O’Riordan, Lead Singer of the Cranberries, Dies at 46

Sickened to see (actual) "breaking news" alerts that Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of the Cranberries, died today. O'Riordan, whose band was known for hits like "Dreams," "Linger" and "Zombie" was just 46. There was no immediate information about the cause of death.

“Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today,” her publicist, Lindsey Holmes, said in a statement, which explained that O’Riordan had been in London for a recording session.

Family members are "devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

As saddened as I am by this news, I can't say I'm entirely surprised. I remember picking up a tabloid in Ireland about 10 years ago -- well after O'Riordan's '90s heyday -- and being shocked to read that she felt like a prisoner because of her fame (depression, anorexia, anxiety), which was totally news to me. Living in the U.S., it never occurred to me that being a famous fish in a small (country across the) pond could be so difficult, and it was my first clue that she wasn't just enjoying the life of a has-been '90s pop star as one would have hoped.

Losing stars of my era who were older than I am (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston) was one thing. But losing one who is actually a tad younger is particularly jarring.

RIP.