The Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan's life was cruelly marred by the dark shadows of her past.
The tragic star - who died today aged 46 - suffered vile abuse at the hands of a sexual predator when she was just eight.
After that came anorexia, a nervous breakdown, a bipolar diagnosis and a suicide attempt.
In 2014 she told the Belfast Telegraph she suffered from a “terrible self-loathing”, admitting that she'd “tried to overdose” the previous year.
She said: “It manifested itself in my behaviour and the pathologies I began to develop in my early adult life, such as my eating disorder, depression and eventually the breakdowns.”
Of her attempt to take her own life, the mother-of-three added: “I tried to overdose last year... I suppose I am meant to stay here for the kids.”
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According to journalist Barry Egan, in October 2013, Dolores revealed the true depravity of her abuser.
"He used to masturbate me when I was eight years old," she said, according to Egan .
"He made me do oral sex for him when I was eight years old. It was inappropriate touching. For four years, when I was a little girl I was sexually abused. I was only a kid."
The troubled 46-year-old passed away while in London for a recording session but her cause of her death is unknown at the moment.
Her family, from Limerick in Ireland, is said to be 'devastated' by her death.
A statement by The Cranberries - who have sold 40 million records with hits including Zombie and Linger -confirmed: "Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today.
"She was 46 years old. The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries, was in London for a short recording session.
"No further details are available at this time.
"Family members are devastated to hear the breaking news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
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The star shared her final tweet on January 3, uploading a shot of herself and her cat with the caption, "Bye bye Gio. We're off to Ireland."
In recent years her music has been overshadowed by her troubled personal life.
In 2014 she pleaded guilty to headbutting and spitting on a police officer as she was arrested for an alleged air rage incident.
The court heard O’Riordan was suffering hypomania, sleep deprivation and paranoia at the time of the incident which saw her get pulled off an Aer Lingus flight to New York's JFK on November 10, 2014.
She was deemed 'too ill' to attend court, with her solicitor telling judges she was 'receiving ongoing medical treatment and residential treatement."
She was subsequently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and fined £4,690, with the judge refusing to impose a criminal conviction on someone who was mentally unwell.
The singer also spoke of her battle with the booze, telling the Belfast Telegraph: "I am pretty good but sometimes I hit the bottle.
"Everything is way worse the next morning. I chain smoke when I drink. I have a bad day when I have bad memories and I can’t control them and I hit the bottle. I kind of binge drink. That is kind of my biggest flaw at the moment.”
In another interview she revealed how she couldn’t have sleeping tablets around “because if I have a few drinks I’ll take them”.
She added: “On tour, it was just so easy to say: ‘I can’t sleep, I’ve had a couple of drinks, maybe I’ll take one.’ Then you take another. Then you don’t wake up. That can happen. I am careful now.”
She previously opened up about her battle with depression, admitting she struggled more than ever following the 2011 death of her beloved dad Terence after a long battle with cancer.
“There have been times when I’ve struggled. The death of my father and mother-in-law was very hard.
"Looking back, I think depression, whatever the cause, is one of the worst things to go through," she told the Irish News.
"Then again, I’ve also had a lot of joy in my life, especially with my children. You get ups as well as downs. Sure isn’t that what life’s all about?”
Talking about losing her dad in a 2017 interview with RTE, she admitted she believed he hadn't 'fully' left this world.
"There was a lot of weird little coincidences and stuff that made me think that maybe he was somewhere in between, not necessarily crossed over properly," she said.
"And we all wonder about death, where people go and what happens. But certainly they cross over from this dimension to another one."
Meanwhile, Dolores was forced to cancel a string of Cranberries gigs in 2017 due to a bad back.
"Thanks for the many good wishes to Dolores posted on our social pages since the announcement of the cancellation of all our Summer shows up to mid August due to her ongoing back problem," the band wrote in a statement on Facebook.
"There have been some comments suggesting that Dolores could perform if she sat while singing. Unfortunately it is not as simple as that," it continued.
"Dolores' back problem is in the mid to upper area of her spine and the breathing and diaphragmatic movements associated with singing put pressure on the muscles and nerves in that area and exacerbate the pain.
"Sitting does not give any relief and at times in her case it can actually worsen the pain. Please be assured that we would not have cancelled these shows if there was any way that Dolores could perform them.
"We are extremely disappointed that we have had to do so and again sincerely apologise to all affected and hope to get back to see you all at some time hopefully in the not too distant future when Dolores has recovered."
However, in December she told fans she was back on the road, revealing she was "feeling good" after playing her first gig in months.
"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!! " she wrote on December 20.
The Cranberries had worldwide hits with songs such as Zombie, Linger and Dreams.
Her unique voice featured on five of the band's album before they took a break in 2003.
She released two solo albums during the break before the band reformed in 2009.
Meanwhile, she revealed how the happiest moments of her life had been those spent with children Taylor, 20, Molly, 16, and Dakota, 12.
“The best time in my life was the years spent at home with my family. I love being a mum. My kids don’t see me as a famous person, or have any kind of expectation; I’m just their mum," she said.
She married band manager Don Burton in 1994, but they divorced after 20 years in 2014 - the same year she was arrested for allegedly assaulting an air hostess .
Tributes for the star have flooded in for the showbiz world, with TV host James Corden leading the way.
He tweeted: "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
Irish president Michael D Higgins also paid tribute, telling of his 'great sadness'.
"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dolores O’Riordan, musician, singer and song writer," his statement read.
"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."
Josh Groban also voiced his devastation, posting, "Nooooo!! Have always adored her songs and voice."
Cranberries star Dolores O'Riordan dies
Irish band Kodaline also offered condolences, writing on Twitter: "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."
Family friend Canon Liam McNamara said: "My heart goes out to the family. Dolores was their pride and joy.
"We all loved her very, very much. She got on well all the way through her life. I was very disappointed to hear today that she has left us so early in life.
"Her family did so much for her and supported her all the way through."
And Boyzone star Ronan Keating added, "Totally shocked at the news about Dolores O Riordan an incredible talent and a lovely soul. My prayers are with her family and loved ones."