Irish music icon and a member of the renowned pop group The Nolans, Linda Nolan, has passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous two-decade battle with cancer.
Her journey with the disease began in 2005 with a breast cancer diagnosis. Declared cancer-free in 2011, she faced a recurrence in 2017 when secondary breast cancer was discovered.
By 2023, the illness had tragically spread to her brain.
Linda rose to fame in the 1970s alongside her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne.
The group became celebrated for hits such as the 1980 disco anthem I’m In The Mood for Dancing.
Their success marked a milestone as the first Irish act to sell over a million records globally, with their total sales exceeding 30 million.
Other memorable tracks included Gotta Pull Myself Together and Attention to Me.
Although Linda left the group in 1983, she later reunited with her sisters for various comeback performances, delighting fans worldwide.
Beyond music, she shone in a West End production of Blood Brothers, penned a best-selling memoir, and contributed as a columnist for the Daily Mirror.
Coleen Nolan, devastated by her sister’s passing, described Linda as a “beacon of love, kindness, and strength” in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She added, “Her wit, humour, and laughter were infectious, her presence could light up any room. Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.”
Christine Lampard announced Linda’s death on ITV’s Loose Women, referring to it as “very sad news.” Co-host Nadia Sawalha expressed the panel’s collective shock and sympathy, saying they were “sending our love.” Linda had been a familiar face on the program, while Coleen remains a regular contributor.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Tommy Cannon of Cannon & Ball said he was “heartbroken,” remembering Linda as “a joy – full of warmth and love.” Cheryl Baker of Bucks Fizz praised Linda’s “incredible voice” and “wicked sense of humour,” while TV presenter Terry Christian called her and her sisters “fantastic women.”
Linda’s death was confirmed by her agent, Dermot McNamara, who revealed that she passed peacefully on Wednesday morning, surrounded by her loving siblings at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
She had been admitted days earlier with double pneumonia, slipping into a coma and entering end-of-life care.
“Linda’s legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others,” McNamara said. “Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
Linda also dedicated her life to philanthropy, raising over £20 million for organizations such as Breast Cancer Now, the Irish Cancer Society, and Samaritans.
Her family has experienced their share of health struggles, with Anne successfully overcoming a second breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 and Coleen revealing a battle with skin cancer last year.
Sadly, their sister Bernie succumbed to breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52.
Linda Nolan’s enduring strength and compassion have left an indelible mark, both onstage and off. Her memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and hope.
