Singer and TV personality LOinda Nolan dies after contracting double pneumonia over Christmas, her family has said. Linda died this week at the age of 65 after battling cancer for two decades.
Linda had fallen ill over Christmas but her family said she was ‘much brighter’ at the start of this year. On Saturday, she was admitted to hospotal with breatjing problems. She died on Wednesday surrounded by her family. Doctprs say she had double pneumonia.
Sister Maureen said: “I am heartbroken as we all are, just so sad. I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, the big C didn’t actually get her. She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one battle too much. So please keep hopeful and strong if you are suffering, she lasted nearly 20 years with one cancer or another, and so can you.”
In a statement agent Dermot McNamara, said: “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 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.”
Linda was a member of the Irish family group The Nolans alongside her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne. She had battled breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2005. She was initially given the all-clear in 2011, but the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2020, it had spread further, and in 2023, it affected her brain.
Loose Women star Coleen also paid tribute to Linda. 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.” Coleen’s son and Linda’s nephew, Jake Roche, shared: “I will miss my aunty Linda greatly. She was THAT Auntie.
“The one that let you stay up late, would occasionally let you swear, and would sit and go through the whole Mickey monologue from Blood Brothers with me until I had it down. She had a remarkable life and I take comfort in the fact she lived it authentically. Thank you for all your kind words.”
Linda shared her last column for the Mirror on Thursday. She revealed she had been unwell over Christmas with what she thought was the flu. She told her readers: “The doctors say it’s been a bad case of flu. I’d walk a few steps and struggle to catch my breath. My legs were even more wobbly than usual and, although I try not to, I thought of how Bernie was at the end. You think, ‘Oh my God, is this it?’
“It was only on Monday I felt well enough to venture out. It feels like a whole new world out there. There’s nothing like the sensation of starting to feel better after an illness. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel normal (well, I say normal?).” In what will prove to be a poignant final line, she added: “I’m no fan of resolutions but here’s one: It’ll take more than flu to finish me off.”