DUBLIN, Ireland (Dublin Evening Herald) - Singer
Sinead O'Connor has said she is retiring from music this year because she wants to become a religious teacher.
She announced last month she was leaving the music business after the release of a DVD in July.
In a letter published in Dublin's Evening Herald newspaper on Thursday, she said she was retiring "because I want to train to become a religion teacher of primary school children".
She denied rumours that she was suffering from the debilitating illness myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
She said the theology training "will take some years as I also want to raise my own children, so it may be over 10 years until I qualify but I intend to make a start".
The admission comes 12 years after the singer, best known for her 1990 hit Nothing Compares 2 U, first said she was leaving the music industry.
Death Midwives
It also follows her 1999 ordination as a "priest" in the Tridentine Church, a splinter group of the Roman Catholic Church, and said she wanted to be known as Mother Bernadette.
O'Connor said she wanted to start studying theology in September, and was particularly interested in a group called the "Death Midwives".
"They help people who are dying not to be afraid and help make death gentle and calm and even a growing experience," O'Connor wrote. "I am very interested in that area of pastoral care."
She also said that raising her children was one of her major goals. "I have talents in areas other than the music business and want to move into those areas for the satisfaction of my soul," she said.
She hinted that may continue to sing as a "visiting church singer... where I can hide and not be looked at. And maybe sing with a choir. Hire myself out for services. Not weddings! Don't believe in them!" she said.
O'Connor recently contributed to the latest Massive Attack album, 100th Window, released earlier this year.
Outspoken
In July she is releasing the DVD Goodnight, Thankyou, You've Been a Lovely Audience. She is also recording tracks for a Dolly Parton tribute album
"I wish to thank everyone who has been a fan and or supporter of mine over the last 22 years in the music business," O'Connor said in April.
She became known for her outspoken politics during her career, infamously ripping up a photo of Pope John Paul II on US television.
When she refused to perform in the US if The Star Spangled Banner was played before her appearance, Frank Sinatra threatened to "kick her ass".
