Linda Nolan’s family have put on a united front as they honoured the late songstress.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that the singer, famed for being part of The Nolans, had tragically died aged 65. In a statement shared with the Mirror, Linda’s agent sadly confirmed that she died, peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday morning.
Her famous siblings including Anne, Denise, Coleen and Maureen were by Linda’s bedside and was “embraced with love and comfort” in her final moments. Following the news, her siblings and relatives have paid tribute to Linda on social media. In a moving tribute, her nephew Shane, the son of Coleen and Shane Richie took to Instagram, sharing snaps of himself on stage with his aunt and brother, Jake Roche.
The singer said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Coleen re-shared the official announcement from The Nolans social media page, sharing a broken heart emoji. In a statement shared on her Instagram page, she 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. Love you, Coleen xxx (Colette).”
Elsewhere, Linda’s older sister, Anne, took to X, formerly known as Twitter and posted three red heart emojis as she confirmed the shattering news. Linda’s agent, Dermot, told the Mirror: “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.
“She passed at around 10:20am. The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable. 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.”
The Nolans have asked us not to name the hospital, but have assured well-wishers they will be organising a public memorial for the much-loved star. The news of Linda’s death will come as a shock to her loyal fans who had followed her as she shared the frank and honest realities of her journey with cancer in her weekly Mirror column.
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. Over the course of her career, Linda and her siblings, The Nolans, sold a whopping 30 million records, toured with Frank Sinatra and even performed for President Gerald Ford.
Sharing her achievements in a statement, Dermot went on to say: “As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success, touring the world and selling over 30 million records, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me and the iconic disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing. Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.
“Linda also dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Breast Cancer Ireland and Samaritans, amongst countless others. Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy.”
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was given the all-clear in 2011. But in 2017 – four years after the death of her sister Bernie, aged 52 in 2013 – Linda was told the disease had returned after tumours were found in her hip bone and pelvis. Like Bernie, she was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer but remained determined to make the most of the time she had left.
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