Cranberries Lead Singer, Dolores O'Riordan, Dead At 46

The lead singer of the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session.

A rep for the band would only say she died "suddenly." The rep offered no further details.

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

Police in Westminster said they were called to a hotel in Park Lane at 9.05am.

"A woman in her mid-40s was pronounced dead at the scene," a police statement said. "At this early stage, the death is being treated as unexplained."

The Irish Times notes that the Cranberries were forced to cancel tour dates in 2017 due to O'Riordan's health

The band cited "medical reasons associated with a back problem." O'Riordan had previously been diagnosed as bi-polar.

O’Riordan took to Facebook to give fans an update on December 20.

"Hi, All, Dolores here. Feeling good! I did my first bit of gigging in months at the weekend, performed a few songs at the Billboard annual staff holiday party in New York with the house band. Really enjoyed it! Happy Christmas to all our fans!! Xo," O’Riordan wrote at the time.

She is survived by her ex-husband Don Burton and her three children, Taylor Baxter, Molly Leigh and Dakota Rain.

Celebrities are also "shocked and saddened" by her death.

Singer Hozier said"

"My first time hearing Dolores O'Riordan's voice was unforgettable. It threw into question what a voice could sound like in that context of Rock. I'd never heard somebody use their instrument in that way. Shocked and saddened to hear of her passing, thoughts are with her family."

The band Kodaline said:

Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of Dolores O'Riordan! @The_Cranberries gave us our first big support when we toured with them around France years ago! Thoughts are with her family and friends

"Oh wow. Dolores O’Riordan was a BIG part of my childhood. Helped me give myself permission to be," said Comedian Cameron Esposito.

Late Late Show host James Corden said:

"I once met Delores O’Riordan when I was 15. She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day. She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x"

The Scottish band PAWS said "We are heartbroken to learn that Dolores O’Riordan has passed away"

"The Cranberries were my first love. Thank you for some of my favorite records of all time. I want to play a Cranberries song at tonight’s show."

President of Ireland Michael Higgins said in a statement:

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O’Riordan, musician, singer and songwriter. Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally. I recall with fondness the late Limerick TD Jim Kemmy’s introduction of her and The Cranberries to me, and the pride he and so many others took in their successes. To all those who follow and support Irish music, Irish musicians and the performing arts her death will be a big loss."

She joined The Cranberries in Limerick in 1990.

She led the rock band The Cranberries for 13 years before the band took a break starting in 2003, reuniting in 2009. They were one of the biggest Irish bands of the 1990s, selling more than 40 million records over their career. Their most popular hits included Zombie and Linger.

O'Riordan was known for her lilting mezzo-soprano voice, for yodeling and for her strong Limerick accent.

In April 2014, O'Riordan joined Jetlag (later called D.A.R.K.) and began recording new material.

Throughout the 1990s, O'Riordan was recognized for her changing hairstyles, from shoulder-length to very short crop in myriad colors and shades.

She sometimes performed barefoot on stage.