Linda Nolan has died aged 65, it has been announced. The beloved TV personality and pop star's death comes after she faced a long journey with secondary breast cancer.
It's been announced she passed away on Wednesday (January 15) with her famous sisters at her side - just days after writing her last poignant piece for the Daily Mirror newspaper.
Her final hours were said to have been full of "love and comfort." 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.
“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide; 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.
“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.
“Beyond her incredible career, Linda dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others. Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy."
The statement adds: "Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family.
“At around 10.20am on Wednesday January 15, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65 “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. Her family kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time, while they and Linda’s friends grieve the loss of an extraordinary woman.
"Details of a celebration of Linda’s remarkable life will be shared in due course. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten."
Linda found fame as a member of the girl group The Nolans in 1974, along with her sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Bernie and Coleen.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was given the all-clear in 2011. But in 2017 Linda was told the disease had returned after tumours were found in her hip bone and pelvis.
After being diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer she remained determined to make the most of the time she had left.
In 2023, Linda discovered it had moved to her brain, but she threw herself into charity work - and led the campaign for wonderdrug Enhertu to be made available to all secondary breast cancer sufferers on the NHS.
The famous Nolan siblings have been open about their family heartbreak over the years, with four of the six sisters having received a cancer diagnosis or had a cancer scare at some point in their lives. Bernie died in 2013, aged 52.
