Coleen Nolan sends heartbreaking message after death of sister Linda, 65, following cancer battle
Coleen Nolan has been inundated with support after she took to social media for the first time since the news of her sister Linda’s death.
Linda died aged 65 following a 20-year battle with breast cancer, her agent confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
The Irish singer and television personality passed away at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s MCEW Ward, surrounded by her siblings.
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 peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments,” the statement continued.
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and went into remission in 2011.
In 2017, four years after the death of her sister Bernie from breast cancer at age 52, Linda was told the disease had returned after tumours were found in her hip bone and pelvis.
The cancer later spread to her liver in 2020.
In March 2023, Linda revealed the cancer had spread to her brain, leading to her being placed on a life-extending drug called Enhertu.
Coleen shared a post dedicated to her sister following a message published on X by the Nolan Sisters’ official page.
— Coleen Nolan (@NolanColeen) January 15, 2025
The post by the group read: “It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Linda Nolan. She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions.
“Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully. A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten,” it concluded alongside a love heart emoji.
Reacting to the post, Coleen reposted it alongside a single heartbroken emoji to express her grief.
Throughout her illness, Linda remained determined to raise awareness, helping to secure over £20million for various cancer charities including Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Ireland.
McNamara’s statement went on to highlight Linda’s achievements as part 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,” he said.
“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.”
The group performed for President Gerald Ford and toured with Frank Sinatra during their illustrious career.
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“Linda also dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20million for numerous charities,” McNamara added.
Just last week, Linda had told the Mirror she was feeling brighter after being ill over Christmas with what she thought was “a bout of flu”.
However, on Saturday she was taken to hospital with breathing problems, and doctors diagnosed double pneumonia.
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.
The family praised the hospital staff, saying “they couldn’t do enough” and “made it so much more bearable”.
In what proved to be her final Mirror column, Linda had written defiantly: “It’ll take more than flu to finish me off.”