Singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame alongside her sisters in The Nolans, has died after several years of battling cancer.
The Irish star, 65, and her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, had a run of hits in the late 1970s and ’80s – including the disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing.
She died peacefully in hospital this morning, “embraced with love” with her siblings by her side, her agent Dermot McNamara said in a statement.
Five of the Nolans in 1983 (L-R): Linda, Anne, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen. Pic: PA
“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,” he said.
“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 £20m 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 star, pictured last year, had battled cancer for several years. Pic: Shutterstock
Linda was admitted to hospital over the weekend, suffering from pneumonia. Doctors started giving her end-of-life care after she slipped into a coma on Tuesday.
“She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments,” Mr McNamara said.
“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.”
Details of a celebration of the star’s “remarkable life” will be shared in due course, he added.
Linda was born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan in Dublin on 23 February 1959, the sixth of eight children.
Her parents were both singers themselves and keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe; the young Linda made her stage debut aged just four.
Those early years put the siblings on track for a career in showbusiness. As well as I’m In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans had hits with Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and Don’t Make Waves, and they had their own TV specials.
At their height, they toured with Frank Sinatra and were reported to have outsold The Beatles in Japan.
Linda left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances. She later became known for musical theatre, most notably performing the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers for three years from 2000.
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and underwent surgery to remove her left breast two days before her 47th birthday.
In 2020, Linda and Anne both revealed they were being treated for cancer once again, diagnosed just days apart after they returned home from filming a series of their show, The Nolans Go Cruising.
They lost their sister Bernie, the second youngest of the siblings, to cancer in 2013.
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