The passing of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor in 2023 brought to light her concerns about the exploitation of artists' work after their deaths. According to recent probate records, O'Connor left a fortune worth £1.4 million ($1.75 million) to her four children. She also instructed them to capitalize on the commercial potential of her music catalog, which sold 6.2 million copies worldwide. O'Connor had previously expressed strong views on protecting her art and finances, emphasizing the importance of controlling posthumous releases. This article delves into her legacy, her concerns about corporate exploitation, and the provisions she made for her children.

In her final years, O'Connor was deeply troubled by how record companies often exploit an artist’s catalog after their death. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2021, she highlighted the stark difference between an artist's value during life and after death. "Artists are much more valuable when they're dead," she remarked, referencing how some artists have released more albums posthumously than while alive. To safeguard her own legacy, O'Connor instructed her children from a young age to prioritize financial protection over emotional attachment. She advised them to consult her accountant immediately in case of her sudden death, ensuring that record companies did not take advantage of her work without proper oversight.

O'Connor's concerns were not limited to her own music. She spoke out against the posthumous exploitation of other artists, particularly Prince. In her memoir, Rememberings, she recounted a meeting with Prince and later defended him when discussing how corporations profited from his unreleased music after his death in 2016. "They’re raping his vault," she said, expressing frustration over the release of songs Prince never intended to be heard. This sentiment reflects a broader issue within the music industry, where artists' private works are often unearthed and monetized without regard for their wishes.

Beyond her financial and artistic concerns, O'Connor also made personal provisions in her will. She entrusted her religious regalia to her late son Shane and her guitar collection to her youngest son Yeshua. John Reynolds, her ex-husband and music producer, was named as the executor of her estate. O'Connor's death in July 2023 at the age of 56 came as a shock to many, but her foresight ensured that her children would inherit not just her music but also her wisdom and caution regarding the music industry.

O'Connor's legacy extends beyond her musical contributions. By advocating for the protection of artists' rights and leaving clear instructions for her children, she set a precedent for future generations. Her concerns about posthumous exploitation highlight the need for artists to take proactive steps in safeguarding their work and ensuring that their legacies are honored rather than exploited.