Linda Nolan, the beloved Irish singer, actress, and TV personality, passed away on January 15, 2025, after a courageous, years-long battle with cancer. She was 65 years old, leaving behind an incredible legacy that spanned music, television, and acting. Known primarily for being one-fifth of the famous family girl group The Nolans, Linda's passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with achievement, love, and perseverance.
Linda’s death was announced by her agent, Dermot McNamara, who shared the sad news on behalf of the family. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holder, West End star, bestselling author, and columnist for The Daily Mirror," the statement began. She died peacefully at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, surrounded by the warmth of her siblings, where she spent her final moments embraced by love and comfort.
In the statement, the family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the tireless care provided by the hospital staff, calling their efforts "incredible" and noting that they made the difficult time much more bearable. Linda's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments in music and entertainment, as she became a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience. She used her personal journey to raise awareness and inspire others who might be facing similar battles. Her family said it best: “Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, a disease she bravely fought into remission by the following year. However, her battle was far from over. In 2017, she revealed that the cancer had returned, this time in her hip, and it had tragically spread to her liver by 2020. By 2023, the cancer had reached her brain. Through it all, Linda continued to remain open about her health struggles, sharing her story in an effort to raise awareness and offer hope to others fighting their own battles with cancer.
Her enduring strength was a hallmark of her life. She once shared her thoughts in her regular Mirror column during the Christmas season, expressing her gratitude for making it through another holiday, despite her worsening condition. "I can barely believe I’ve made it – but here I am, and I’m so grateful. Thank you so much for reading my highs and lows this year," she wrote.
The Nolans, a band formed by Linda and her four sisters—Maureen, Anne, Coleen, and Bernie—became a household name throughout the late '70s and early '80s. The group rose to prominence with a string of hit songs, including the iconic disco anthem “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” and “Gotta Pull Myself Together,” among others. Their infectious sound and infectious energy helped solidify their place in pop music history, and they quickly became one of the most famous girl groups in the world.
Linda was born in February 1959 in Dublin, Ireland, and her family made the move to Blackpool, England, when she was just three years old. It was in Blackpool that the family began performing together in local venues and hotels, honing their craft and building a reputation. As teenagers, the Nolans’ rise to fame was accelerated when they caught the attention of Frank Sinatra’s team, which led to the band touring with the legendary crooner in the '70s.
In 1973, the Nolans were spotted at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool by businessman Joe Lewis, who was so impressed with their performance that he immediately invited the family to relocate to London to perform at his club, the London Rooms. It was there that the band changed their name to The Nolans and began making waves in the entertainment industry.
Their big break came in 1976 when they became regular guests on Cliff Richard’s BBC TV show. But it was the release of “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” in 1980 that propelled them to international stardom. The track reached number three on the UK charts and became an enduring disco classic, helping the group to achieve seven top 20 hits between 1979 and 1982.
Linda’s journey didn’t stop with The Nolans. After leaving the group in the mid-1980s, she carved out a successful solo career, even supporting Gene Pitney on his UK tour in 1984. She also enjoyed an eight-season residency in Blackpool’s Central Pier, where she played Maggie May. Over the course of more than 1,000 performances, Linda became a fixture of Blackpool’s entertainment scene.
Throughout her life, Linda’s love story with her late husband, Brian Hudson, was another central element of her legacy. She met Brian in 1979, and they married in 1981. Brian became the band's tour manager before managing Linda’s solo career after she left the group. Tragically, Brian passed away in 2007 from liver failure, a loss that deeply affected Linda. They had been together for 26 years, and his death marked a painful chapter in her life.
In 2009, The Nolans reunited for their “I’m in the Mood Again” album and a subsequent tour, proving that their bond as a family and a musical group was as strong as ever. Linda also appeared on the 13th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, sharing her personality and warmth with a new generation of fans.
The Nolans' influence on pop culture remained significant even beyond their heyday, with Linda and her sisters continuing to make an impact in various ways. Coleen, for instance, became a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, while Maureen and Bernie pursued acting careers. Tragically, in 2013, Bernie passed away from breast cancer at the age of 52, another devastating blow to the family.
Linda’s life was marked by both extraordinary success and personal challenges. Despite being diagnosed with cancer four times, her spirit never wavered. She used her platform to encourage others to cherish every moment and appreciate the time they have with loved ones. “Just make time for the people you love,” she once said. “You’ve got to cherish your moments and don’t dwell.”
Her passing marks the end of an era for The Nolans, but Linda’s impact on music, entertainment, and her family will never be forgotten. She is survived by her sisters, Anne, Coleen, and Maureen, as well as her family of children and grandchildren. Linda Nolan’s legacy of courage, strength, and love will continue to inspire and resonate with all who knew her.
Rest in peace, Linda. You’ve left an indelible mark on the world, and you will be forever cherished by those whose lives you touched.
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