Who is Molly Leigh Burton? The Complete Life Story of Dolores O’Riordan’s Daughter

Molly Leigh Burton is the middle daughter of the late Irish singer Dolores O’Riordan, who was famous as the lead singer of The Cranberries. While her mother’s voice touched millions of hearts around the world, Molly has chosen to live a quiet and private life away from the spotlight.
Detailed Bio
| Full Name | Molly Leigh Burton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 27, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Parents | Dolores O’Riordan (mother), Don Burton (father) |
| Siblings | Taylor Baxter Burton (older brother), Dakota Rain Burton (younger sister), Donny Burton (half-brother) |
| Famous For | Being the daughter of Dolores O’Riordan |
| Current Residence | Canada (Toronto area) |
Early Life and Family Background
Molly Leigh Burton was born on January 27, 2001, in Ireland. She came into a family where music was everywhere. Her mother, Dolores O’Riordan, was the voice behind famous songs like “Zombie,” “Linger,” and “Dreams.” The Cranberries became one of the most popular rock bands of the 1990s.
Her father, Don Burton, is a Canadian music executive who worked with the famous band Duran Duran. Molly’s parents met when their bands toured together in the early 1990s. They fell in love and got married on July 18, 1994, at Holy Cross Abbey in County Tipperary, Ireland.
Molly grew up with her two siblings. Her older brother, Taylor Baxter Burton, was born in November 1997. Her younger sister, Dakota Rain Burton, was born in April 2005. She also has a half-brother named Donny Burton from her father’s first marriage.
Growing Up Between Two Countries
Molly spent her childhood between Ireland and Canada. In 2009, when she was eight years old, her family moved to Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada. They lived in a beautiful log cabin near Big Bald Lake. The area was peaceful and full of nature, with forests and wildlife all around.
Dolores often talked about how much she loved being a mother. In a 2017 interview, she said that the best time in her life was the years she spent at home with her family. She loved watching her children grow and always put them first.
The Burton children were raised away from the bright lights of fame. Even though their mother was a world-famous singer, Molly and her siblings lived normal lives. They went to school, played with friends, and enjoyed outdoor activities.
Her Mother’s Music Legacy
Dolores O’Riordan became famous in the 1990s with The Cranberries. The band was formed in 1989, and Dolores joined as the lead singer. Her unique voice and emotional songs made the band special.
Some of their biggest hits include “Zombie”, which talks about violence and war, and “Linger,” a beautiful love song. The band sold millions of albums worldwide and won many awards.
Molly grew up hearing her mother’s music everywhere. At home, Dolores was just “mum,” but to the world, she was a rock star. This gave Molly a unique view of both the normal family life and the exciting music world.
Parents’ Separation
In September 2014, Molly’s parents decided to separate after 20 years of marriage. This was a difficult time for the whole family. Molly was 13 years old when her parents split up.
After the separation, Molly and her siblings stayed with their father in Canada. Their mother moved back to Ireland and later to New York. Dolores struggled with depression following the divorce, but she always stayed connected with her children.
Even though her parents were no longer together, both of them loved their children very much. They made sure that Molly and her siblings felt safe and supported during this hard time.

The Tragic Loss of Her Mother
The most difficult moment in Molly’s life came on January 15, 2018. Her mother, Dolores O’Riordan, passed away suddenly at the age of 46. She was found unconscious in her hotel room at the Park Lane Hilton in London.
Molly was just 16 years old and about to turn 17 when her mother died. It happened less than two weeks before her 17th birthday, making it even harder.
An investigation later showed that Dolores died from accidental drowning due to alcohol intoxication. The news shocked fans all over the world. Thousands of people attended memorial services in Ireland to honor her memory.
For Molly and her siblings, losing their mother was heartbreaking. They had to deal with their grief while the whole world was also mourning their famous mother. Despite this, the family stayed strong and supported each other.
Life After Loss
After her mother’s death, Molly chose to live a private life. She stayed in Canada with her father and siblings. The family remained close and helped each other through their sadness.
In 2018, the band Bad Wolves donated $250,000 to Dolores’s three children. This money was meant to help them and honor their mother’s memory. The band had been working on a cover of “Zombie” with Dolores before she passed away.
Molly’s father, Don Burton, made sure that all his children had everything they needed. He focused on giving them a normal and happy life, even after such a big loss.
Financial Situation
Molly has not shared details about her own money or career. However, her family is financially secure. Her mother had a net worth of about $25 million when she died. Her father, Don Burton, is also successful, with an estimated worth of around $15 million.
After Dolores passed away, Molly and her siblings inherited part of their mother’s money and property. They also received the $250,000 donation from Bad Wolves. This means that Molly likely lives comfortably, even though she keeps her personal life private.
Is Molly Following Her Mother’s Music Path?
Many people wonder if Molly will become a singer like her mother. Some sources suggest that she has an interest in music and may be quietly working on her own projects. However, nothing has been officially confirmed.
If Molly does decide to make music, she would be creating her own unique style. She has the talent in her family, but she also has the freedom to choose her own path.
Whether Molly becomes a musician or chooses a different career, what matters most is that she is happy and healthy. Her mother would have wanted her to follow her heart.
Conclusion
Molly Leigh Burton is more than just the daughter of a famous singer. She is a young woman who has faced loss and chosen strength. She has shown that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to be special.
Her mother’s music will always be remembered, and through that, Molly’s story will also be part of music history. But Molly herself is writing her own story, one quiet day at a time.
We can honor both Dolores O’Riordan’s memory and her daughter’s wishes by remembering the music while respecting the family’s privacy. That is the most respectful way to keep such a beautiful legacy alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Molly Leigh Burton?
Molly Leigh Burton is the middle daughter of the late Irish singer Dolores O’Riordan and music executive Don Burton. She was born on January 27, 2001, in Ireland.
2. How old is Molly Leigh Burton now?
As of 2025, Molly is 24 years old. She celebrated her birthday on January 27.
3. Does Molly Leigh Burton have any siblings?
Yes, Molly has two full siblings and one half-brother. Her older brother is Taylor Baxter Burton, her younger sister is Dakota Rain Burton, and her half-brother from her father’s previous marriage is Donny Burton.
4. Is Molly Leigh Burton a singer like her mother?
There is no confirmed information about Molly having a music career. She keeps her life very private, so if she is making music, she has not shared it publicly yet.
5. Where does Molly Leigh Burton live now?
Molly currently lives in Canada with her father and siblings, most likely in the Toronto area where her family has settled after her mother’s death.
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