Irish singer-songwriter and actor Glen Hansard has died, aged 56. Irish President Catherine Connolly paid tribute to Hansard, describing him as "one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world." Connolly's statement said, "As President of Ireland, may I join with all of those who have expressed such shock on learning of the death of Glen Hansard. "Glen Hansard will be remembered as one of Ireland’s great singer-songwriters. Former Irish President Michael D Higgins described the Dubliner as "a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world".