Linda Nolan funeral: Sisters and Shane Richie among guests pouring in to pay respects
Mourners have gathered to pay tribute to Irish music legend Linda Nolan at a church at St Paul’s Church in Blackpool.
It was announced on January 15 that Nolan has passed away aged 65 following a battle with cancer.
Linda Nolan formed the iconic girl band The Nolans with her sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Bernie and Coleen.
Her agent Dermot McNamara confirmed the sad news in a statement to the Mirror.
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 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,” he concluded.
Crowds applauded as Nolan’s bright pink showbiz coffin was carried into St Paul’s church in Blackpool.
The church is the same one where Nolan married her husband Brian Hudson in 1981, who died in 2007.
Nolan is best known for being a singer, West End star, TV personality, charity campaigner, author, and a founding member of The Nolans.
During her career, she sold more than 30 million records, performed for ex-US President Gerald Ford, and toured with Frank Sinatra.
The singer decided to use her fame to help others going through the same ordeal as her sister Anne Nolan – who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2020.
She received the news of her sister’s illness just days after finding out that her own cancer had spread to her liver.
The sisters went through chemotherapy together but while Anne went into remission, Linda’s cancer could only ever be slowed down, not cured.
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