Coleen Nolan has released a simple but heartbreaking response following the news of her sister Linda’s death.
Linda Nolan died aged 65, 20 years after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer that eventually spread to her brain. Her sisters broke the news in an emotional statement, with the words shared on social media.
Coleen then reposted the Twitter/X statement, with a simple broken heart emoji. The family’s statement read: “It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Linda Nolan. She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions. Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully. A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten.”
Linda’s final hours were said to have been full of “love and comfort”. In a statement to Mirror, agent Dermot McNamara said: “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.”
The statement continued: “She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments. 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. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
Among those sharing tributes were the Loose Women panel. As the news broke, Christine Lampard, Myleene Klass, Kelly Brook and Nadia Sawalha shared their memories of Linda, who was a regular guest. Christine said: “Some very sad news for you now. Linda Nolan has died at the age of 65.”
She shared the released statement and said: “Rest in peace Linda you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We’ve been talking about Linda for so long with Coleen, you’re never prepared.”
Coleen later followed it up with a longer tribute on Instagram, reading: “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. Love you, Coleen xxx (Colette)”
Coleen’s son Shane also shared a touching tribute on Instagram. He wrote: “Sadly my beautiful Aunty Linda passed away this morning surrounded by our family. She was feisty , funny , and always the last to leave a party. She will leave a massive hole in our family. These pictures are from her birthday a few years ago where me and my brother got to sing for her. You don’t realise at the time that these moments are so special. Will miss you Aunty Linda.”
Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. Just a week earlier, she told the Mirror that despite being ill over Christmas, she was feeling somewhat better. However, she was taken to hospital after her breathing deteriorated. Linda was subsequently diagnosed with double pneumonia and due to her secondary breast cancer, which had also spread to her brain, her condition worsened.
Her sisters – Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59 – were called to her bedside at 3.30am on Tuesday as doctors made the decision to place her in end-of-life care. They kept a vigil by her side in her final hours.
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, which resulted in her having a mastectomy. She was given the all-clear in 2011. In 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which was contained within her hip and pelvis.
In 2020, the cancer spread to her liver and three years later to her brain – with scans showing the tumours had shrunk in December 2023. Her sister Bernie died of breast cancer in 2013 aged 52.
Over the course of her career, Linda and her siblings, The Nolans, sold an impressive 30 million records. They also toured with Frank Sinatra and performed for President Gerald Ford.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Don’t miss resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan’s weekly newsletter
