Linda Nolan, best known for being a cherished member of the family-formed girl group The Nolans, has sadly died aged 65.
The Irish star passed away on Wednesday, January 15, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A statement released by her agent, Dermot McNamara, confirmed the devastating news: “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," cited by The Independent.
“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 and made it so much more bearable,” he 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,” the statement concluded.
Linda and her sisters, Maureen, Anne, Coleen, and Bernie Nolan, catapulted into the spotlight when they were spotted performing at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool in 1973.
This pivotal moment led to an invitation to perform in London’s West End and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour with Frank Sinatra.
“We were called The Singing Nolans in those days,” Maureen Nolan once said in an interview. “We were billed as Blackpool’s answer to the Von Trapp family – we went from appearing at working men’s clubs to touring with Frank Sinatra.”
Rebranding as The Nolans, the group achieved international fame, with chart-topping hits like 'I’m In the Mood for Dancing', 'Gotta Pull Myself Together', and 'Who’s Gonna Rock You'.
From 1979 to 1982, they had seven UK Top 20 hits, cementing their place as one of the biggest girl groups of their era.
Linda tied the knot with Brian Hudson in 1981, who became the band’s tour manager and later her personal manager. The couple shared 26 years of marriage before Hudson passed away from liver failure in 2007.
The late artist was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and after going into remission in 2006, she later faced secondary cancer diagnoses, including her hip in 2017, liver in 2020, and brain in 2023.
Despite her challenges, Linda continued to inspire others, using her platform to raise awareness about cancer.
In December, she candidly told OK! Magazine: “I’m not scared of dying, I’m sad that it’s going to happen. I’ve [got] four cancers, about two tumors in my brain. Everything is changing, and things I didn’t even know were changing.
“Just make time for the people you love. You’ve got to cherish your moments and don’t dwell,” she added.
Tragically, cancer has impacted several members of The Nolan family.
Linda’s sister Bernie passed away in 2013 after battling breast cancer. Anne has successfully undergone cancer treatment twice, and Coleen revealed in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
In her final days, Linda lived with her sister Denise and brother-in-law Tom, receiving round-the-clock care after a series of falls.
Reflecting on her last Christmas in her Daily Mirror column, Linda wrote: “I can barely believe I’ve made it – but here I am, and I’m so grateful. Thank you so much for reading my highs and lows this year.”
Linda's legacy extends far beyond her hits and stage performances. She leaves behind her sisters Anne, Coleen, and Maureen, as well as a family of children and grandchildren who will continue to honor her memory.
Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.