Coleen Nolan has shared her heartbreak over the death of her sister Linda Nolan, whom she described as a ‘beacon of love, kindness, and strength’.
Linda, who was part of the Irish family group The Nolans with her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, lost her fight against cancer aged 65, surrounded by her loved ones. Linda had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.
She was initially given the all-clear in 2011, but the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2020, it had spread further, and in 2023, it affected her brain. Due to her illness, Linda was unable to join one last big get together at Coleen’s farm near Dilhorne where she moved to North Staffordshire last year.
On Instagram, Coleen 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. 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.”
Celebrities Myleene Klass, Jake Quickenden and Jo O’Meara all sent their support to Coleen and family following their loss. Nolans manager Dermot McNamara announced Linda’s passing with “profound sadness”.
He added in a statement: “Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia.”
According to a statement, Linda fell into a coma during the early hours of Tuesday morning and received end-of-life care surrounded by her devoted family.
(Image: Getty Images)
She peacefully passed away at 10:20 am on Wednesday, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she felt loved and comforted in her final moments. The Nolans were a household name, especially in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with hits like “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” “Gotta Pull Myself Together,” and “Don’t Make Waves.”
Their success wasn’t limited to the UK; they also gained international recognition, notably in Japan, where they became the first European act to win the Tokyo Music Festival with “Sexy Music” in 1981.
Throughout the years, the group underwent several lineup changes, and members pursued solo careers, but they occasionally reunited for one-off performances and tours. Linda’s journey served as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring others as she shared her story to raise awareness.
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