Linda Nolan, the cherished Irish singer, passed away at 65 after a brave battle with cancer. Surrounded by her sisters, she died peacefully on January 15, with her agent highlighting her impactful legacy in music, television, and literature. Linda’s health struggles began over 20 years ago with breast cancer, leading to multiple recurrences. A member of The Nolans, she achieved significant success before her passing, leaving behind a story of resilience and inspiration.
Remembering Linda Nolan: A Musical Icon’s Journey
Linda Nolan, the beloved Irish singer, has sadly passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous fight against cancer. Her agent, Dermot McNamara, shared the heartbreaking news, stating that she died peacefully on January 15 in a Blackpool hospital. He expressed profound sorrow, describing Linda as a remarkable pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holder in the West End, bestselling author, and a respected columnist.
McNamara highlighted the tireless efforts of her medical team, who worked diligently, yet could not alter the outcome. In her final hours, Linda was surrounded by her sisters—Anne, Denise, Maureen, and Coleen—who provided her with love and comfort. As her agent remarked, “Linda’s legacy extends far beyond her remarkable achievements in music and entertainment. She was a source of hope and resilience, using her journey to inspire others. Rest in peace, Linda; you will be dearly missed but never forgotten.”
A Long Battle with Illness
Linda’s struggle with health began over two decades ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following chemotherapy and a mastectomy, she was declared cancer-free in 2011. Unfortunately, in 2017, tumors reappeared in her hip, and the disease later spread to her liver. By 2023, she received the devastating news that cancer had advanced to her brain. In August 2024, she revealed that her condition had deteriorated, affecting her balance and memory.
Until just days before her passing, Linda shared updates about her health through her column in the Daily Mirror. On January 8, she mentioned battling a severe flu but felt she was on the mend. However, her health took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with double pneumonia, leading to a rapid decline.
Born on February 24, 1959, in Dublin, Linda was the second of six sisters and moved to Blackpool at a young age. She began her musical career in the 1970s as part of the girl group The Nolans, known for hits like “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” and “Gotta Pull Myself Together.” The band sold an impressive 30 million records worldwide. In 1983, Linda embarked on a solo career and enjoyed success in various musicals.
Linda’s personal life was marked by her marriage to Brian Hudson, whom she wed in 1981. They shared a loving partnership until his passing in 2007. In addition to her own battles with cancer, Linda faced the loss of her sister Bernie, who succumbed to the disease in 2013. Anne also survived breast cancer, and Coleen publicly shared her skin cancer diagnosis in 2023.