Irish singer, TV personality and former member of The Nolans, Linda Nolan, has died at age 65 following a long battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, surrounded by her loving siblings.
Nolan, who rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the family girl group The Nolans, had been battling cancer since her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. The disease later spread to her hip in 2017, liver in 2020, and eventually her brain.
The Nolans achieved remarkable success in the 1980s with hits like "I'm in the Mood for Dancing" and "Gotta Pull Myself Together." The group, comprised of sisters Maureen, Anne, Coleen, Bernie and Linda, toured with Frank Sinatra and secured seven UK top 20 hits between 1979 and 1982.
Born in Dublin in 1959, Linda moved to Blackpool with her family at age three. The Nolans began performing at local venues before their breakthrough moment at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool in 1973, which led to their London debut.
After leaving The Nolans in 1983, Linda pursued a successful stage career, including an eight-season residency as Maggie May on Blackpool's Central Pier. She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and became a regular columnist for The Mirror.
In her final Mirror column over Christmas, Linda expressed gratitude for seeing another holiday season despite her condition. In a December interview with OK! Magazine, she shared, "I'm not scared of dying, I'm sad that it's going to happen."
Linda was predeceased by her husband Brian Hudson, who died in 2007 after 26 years of marriage, and her sister Bernie, who passed away from breast cancer in 2013. She is survived by her sisters Anne, Coleen, and Maureen.
The family praised the hospital staff for their tireless care during Linda's final days. Her legacy will be remembered not only for her musical achievements but also for her resilience and dedication to raising cancer awareness.