Linda Nolan dies ‘peacefully’ aged 65 surrounded by her family
Linda Nolan, who has died. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Singer and television personality Linda Nolan has died at the age of 65.
She became unwell at the weekend and passed away surrounded by her family this morning, her publicist confirmed.
“Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family,” a statement said.
“At around 10:20am on Wednesday 15th January, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65.”
Her sister Coleen Nolan has expressed devastation at Linda's death, calling her a “beacon of love, kindness, and strength”.
Writing on Instagram, Coleen said: “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.”
She is predeceased by her sister, Bernie Nolan, who died from breast cancer in 2013, and her husband Brian Hudson, who died of skin cancer in 2009.
Speaking on the Irish Examiner's Weekend podcast, The Moments That Made Me, in 2021, Linda credited therapy with helping her through her grief.
“You shut the door and you slide down the wall and think, I can’t do this anymore. I would sit up in bed and feel rubbish and if Brian had been he’d be rubbing my back saying it's okay. Then of course I start missing him all over again, and it brings back that kind of loneliness,” she said.
“Therapy saved my life. I started seeing a counselor after Brian died. I was diagnosed with complex grief and at one point because I was suicidal, I was with the local mental health crisis team.”
Linda rose to fame as a member of The Nolans girl group with her sisters, including a hit in 1979 with I’m In The Mood For Dancing. They became the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide and sold over 30 million records.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, which resulted in her having a mastectomy and she had the all-clear in 2011. In 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which was contained within her hip and pelvis. In 2020, it spread to her liver and in 2023, it spread to her brain.
Linda helped to raise over £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.
Her family has asked for privacy while they grieve the loss of Linda. Details of a celebration of her life will be shared in due course.
Former X Factor star Mary Byrne has paid tribute to her “dear friend”. Posting on Facebook, she wrote: “Devastated by the loss of our dear friend Linda Nolan. She was such a warm, funny, and utterly amazing person.
“We shared so many laughs on tours across the UK and Ireland, where we became close friends and made wonderful memories.
“Rest now, Linda. The world feels far less interesting without you in it. Thank you for everything.”
Loose Women has sent its love to Linda's family. She had appeared as a guest panellist on the ITV chat show over the years while her sister Coleen is a regular presenter on the programme.
Christine Lampard paused Wednesday’s episode of the show to pay tribute to Linda.
Returning from the break, the 45-year-old said: “Welcome back, now some very sad news for you now, Linda Nolan, Coleen’s sister, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, has died at the age of 65.”
The audience applauded, and Lampard added: “We’ve been talking about Linda for so long haven’t we, with Coleen, and I know it was an incredibly tough time for the family, but you’re just never prepared.”
Panellist Nadia Sawalha then added: “Nothing prepares because there is a moment when the light goes out, and when the light goes out that is the most awful shock, isn’t it, and they’ve been through so much as a family, just sending all our love.”
Lampard finished: “To all of the family indeed, we’re thinking of you all today.”
The audience then burst into applause as a black and white picture of Linda was shown on screen.
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