Maureen Nolan has revealed her beloved sister Linda Nolan did not die of cancer, following the star’s tragic death on Wednesday.
The TV personality and singer died at the age of 65 after battling secondary breast cancer. Her final hours, spent with her famous sisters by her side, were said to have been full of “love and comfort”.
Just last week, the columnist told the the Mirror she had been feeling better after being ill over Christmas.
However, she was taken to hospital on Saturday with breathing problems, where she was diagnosed with double pneumonia. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated due to the cancer, which had spread to her brain. Maureen said the pneumonia was “one battle too much” and that “the big C didn’t actually get her”.
Sharing her own statement, Maureen said: “Our beautiful @thelindanolan left us yesterday, so much to say not sure where or if I can start, countless memories, countless laughs, and constant support when you really needed it, I am heartbroken as we all are, just so sad [heartbroken emojis].
“I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, the big C didn’t actually get her. She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one battle too much. So please keep hopeful and strong if you are suffering, she lasted nearly 20 years with one cancer or another, and so can you.”
In a statement released to the Mirror yesterday, Linda’s 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 at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Linda was a member of Irish family pop group The Nolans alongside her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne. She was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and given the all-clear in 2011 before it returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2020, it had spread further, eventually affecting her brain by 2023.
Three of the other Nolan sisters have also received their own cancer diagnoses or had a scare. Anne was the first sister to become ill, after a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000, which returned in the opposite breast in 2020.
The second-youngest sister, Bernie, announced her own breast cancer diagnosis in April 2010. She was cancer-free later that year, but it returned in October 2012. Doctors told her it had spread to her left breast, brain, lungs, liver and bones. She tragically died at home in July the following year.
Last year, Loose Women panellist Coleen revealed she had been diagnosed with skin cancer on her face and shoulder.
Paying her own tribute to Linda, she said: “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. Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.
“Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us. Rest in peace, Linda. You will forever be in our hearts.”
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Coleen’s son and Linda’s nephew, Jake Roche, shared: “I will miss my aunty Linda greatly. She was THAT Auntie. The one that let you stay up late, would occasionally let you swear, and would sit and go through the whole Mickey monologue from Blood Brothers with me until I had it down. She had a remarkable life and I take comfort in the fact she lived it authentically. Thank you for all your kind words.”
In Linda’s last column for the Mirror, she revealed she had been struck by illness over Christmas. She told her readers: “The doctors say it’s been a bad case of flu. I’d walk a few steps and struggle to catch my breath. My legs were even more wobbly than usual and, although I try not to, I thought of how Bernie was at the end. You think, ‘Oh my God, is this it?’
“It was only on Monday I felt well enough to venture out. It feels like a whole new world out there. There’s nothing like the sensation of starting to feel better after an illness. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel normal (well, I say normal?).” In what will prove to be a poignant final line, she added: “I’m no fan of resolutions but here’s one: It’ll take more than flu to finish me off.”
The Mirror reported she recently shared fears that Christmas 2024 may be her last, admitting: “I try to stay positive”. She said her Christmas wish was to “keep breathing and see another one”.
She had already made plans for her funeral to make it “easier for people left behind”. In 2023, she told The Mirror: “I think it’s a one-way trip now.” She requested Neil Sedaka’s Our Last Song Together to be played and laughed that she wanted a “pink, sparkly coffin”.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.