Linda Nolan, who rose to fame as a member of The Nolans, has died at the age of 65.
The Irish singer, actor and TV personality passed away this morning (January 15). She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and confirmed in 2023 that the disease had spread to her brain.
Her death was confirmed in a statement from her agent.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist,” said Dermot McNamara (via The Mirror).
“She passed at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable.”
McNamara said Nolan “passed away peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments”. The statement then touched on Nolan’s “legacy”, saying that it “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,” it added. “Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
Paying tribute on social media, Linda’s younger sister Coleen Nolan wrote: “I am utterly devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda.
“Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humour and laughter was 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.”
She continued: “Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us.
“Rest in peace, Linda. You will forever be in our hearts. Love you, Coleen xxx (Colette).” See the post below.
Linda was given the all-clear in 2011, but was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017. Last summer, she said would be starting a new cancer drug after her brain tumours stopped responding to treatment.
“We have more places to go. I am ready to try anything. I have done this before and I can do it again,” she explained at the time (via Sky News).
Linda raised over £20million for charities such as Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.
Born in Dublin in 1959, the late singer relocated to Blackpool with her family in 1962, aged 3. She performed in The Nolans – aka The Nolan Sisters – alongside her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne.
The girl group enjoyed a run of hits in the ’70s and ’80s, including ‘I’m In The Mood For Dancing’, ‘Gotta Pull Myself Together’ and ‘Attention To Me’. They became the first Irish act to sell more than a million records globally, and went on to sell 30million records overall.
Linda departed the band in 1983, but later reunited with her sisters for numerous comeback performances.
In 2009, The Nolans reformed as a four-piece (comprising Linda, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen) to release a new album, ‘I’m In The Mood Again’. The record peaked at Number 22 in the UK, and the sisters embarked on a UK and Ireland tour in support of the LP.
Bernie Nolan died from breast cancer in 2013, aged 52. Anne Nolan, 74, spoke about being cancer-free for three years in 2023, after beating breast cancer for a second time.
In 2021, Linda and Anne released a book together titled Stronger Together: How We’re Living While Fighting. The “deeply personal” project saw the sisters open up about their shared journey since receiving “devastating cancer diagnoses within days of each other”.
Coleen Nolan was diagnosed with a low-grade skin cancer called carcinoma in 2023, and subsequently underwent treatment.
As an actor, Linda Nolan played the lead role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End production of Blood Brothers.
The Nolans won a Guinness World Record as the most siblings to play the same role in a musical. Bernie, Denise, Linda and Maureen all appeared as Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers between 1998 and 2007.
Linda participated in the 13th season of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 4 in 2014. She has also featured as a guest panellist on ITV1’s Loose Women, where her sister Coleen regularly presents and appears.
This is a breaking news story – check back for updates.