A beloved member of one of Ireland's most successful girl groups has reached her final curtain call, marking the end of an era in British-Irish entertainment.
According to The Standard, Linda Nolan, renowned singer and TV personality, passed away at age 65 on Wednesday at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, surrounded by her loving siblings.
The Irish singer's death comes after a prolonged battle with cancer that began in 2005. Her agent, Dermot McNamara, confirmed her peaceful passing at approximately 10:20 am in the MCEW Ward, where hospital staff provided exceptional care during her final moments.
Linda Nolan's remarkable journey began on February 23, 1959, in Dublin, where she was born into a musical family as the sixth of eight children. Her early exposure to performance came at just four years old, setting the foundation for an illustrious career. The Nolans achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide and ultimately selling more than 30 million records throughout their career.
The group's success extended beyond their homeland, with hits like "I'm In The Mood for Dancing" and "Attention to Me" resonating with audiences globally. At the peak of their popularity, The Nolans even surpassed The Beatles' sales figures in Japan.
Linda's contribution to entertainment continued beyond the group, as she carved out a successful career in musical theatre, notably performing in "Blood Brothers" for three years starting in 2000.
Her agent, Dermot McNamara, shared:
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.
Linda's health journey began with her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, leading to a mastectomy. Despite receiving the all-clear in 2011, she faced recurring battles as the cancer returned in 2017, affecting her hip and pelvis.
The disease progressed to her liver in 2020 and later reached her brain, though she experienced some positive developments when scans showed tumor shrinkage in December 2023.
Throughout her health struggles, Linda remained committed to helping others, contributing to raising over £20 million for various charities, including Breast Cancer Now and the Irish Cancer Society. Her dedication to raising awareness continued until her final days, as she advocated for access to life-extending treatments like Enhertu, which she began taking in August 2024.
Her sister Coleen expressed her grief on Instagram:
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.
The loss of Linda Nolan resonates deeply within the entertainment industry and among fans worldwide, marking another profound loss for the Nolan family. Her passing follows that of sister Bernie, who succumbed to breast cancer in 2013 at age 52. The family's resilience in the face of adversity has touched countless lives, with Linda's recent battle against what she initially thought was flu serving as a testament to her unwavering spirit.
The accomplished performer leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her musical achievements. Linda Nolan's impact on charitable causes, her dedication to raising awareness about cancer, and her role in one of Ireland's most successful musical acts have permanently etched her name in entertainment history. Her family will announce details of a celebration of her remarkable life in due course.
