Linda Nolan: Celebrated Singer and Television Personality Passes Away at 65
The Irish pop legend and member of The Nolans, championed for her resilience and talent, died following a cancer diagnosis.
Linda Nolan, the renowned singer and television personality recognized for her role in the popular 1970s pop group The Nolans, has passed away at the age of 65. Her death was announced by her agent, Dermot McNamara, who confirmed that Nolan died in Blackpool’s Victoria hospital, surrounded by her loving siblings, who provided solace and comfort in her final moments.
Born in Dublin in 1959 and later raised in Blackpool, Linda was the sixth of eight siblings who became music sensation The Nolans.
The group, initially called the Singing Nolans, began as a family act alongside their parents.
The five sisters—Linda, Anne, Denise, Maureen, and Bernie—rebranded in 1974 as the Nolan Sisters, before ultimately solidifying their fame under the name The Nolans.
The group reached critical acclaim with their chart-topping hits, including the timeless 1980 disco classic 'I'm in the Mood for Dancing', which found success across Europe and was a No. 1 hit in Japan.
Linda was a celebrated figure both on stage and in television.
After departing from The Nolans in 1983, she pursued a successful career in musical theatre, notably performing in the West End production of 'Blood Brothers'.
Her Guinness World Record achievement for the most siblings to perform the same role in a musical, shared with her sisters Bernie and Denise, stands as a testament to her enduring talent and familial collaboration.
Her ventures into television included memorable roles on reality TV shows such as 'Come Dine With Me' and 'Celebrity Big Brother', along with a recurring presence on ITV's talk show 'Loose Women'.
It was on this show in 2017 that Linda bravely revealed her ongoing battle with cancer, the same illness she had initially overcome in 2011 following a diagnosis in 2005.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Linda contributed as a writer, becoming a Sunday Times bestselling author and regularly engaging readers through her column in the Daily Mirror.
Her final entry was published just a week before her passing.
Linda's personal life saw her married to Brian Hudson, who later managed her career after her time with The Nolans.
He preceded her in death in 2007. Her sister Bernie also succumbed to cancer in 2013.
The Nolans' influence transcended the UK music scene, having toured with legendary figures such as Frank Sinatra.
In a notable career moment, Linda also made an unexpected foray into rock music with a collaboration alongside Motörhead's Lemmy in 1981.
While her career was filled with triumphs, Linda also faced challenges, including public allegations in 2014 against Rolf Harris, whom she accused of sexually assaulting her during a tour in South Africa when she was 15.
Linda Nolan leaves behind a legacy of artistic achievement, strength in adversity, and an indelible mark on the music and television industries.
Her contributions as part of The Nolans and as a solo performer remain celebrated by fans worldwide.
Born in Dublin in 1959 and later raised in Blackpool, Linda was the sixth of eight siblings who became music sensation The Nolans.
The group, initially called the Singing Nolans, began as a family act alongside their parents.
The five sisters—Linda, Anne, Denise, Maureen, and Bernie—rebranded in 1974 as the Nolan Sisters, before ultimately solidifying their fame under the name The Nolans.
The group reached critical acclaim with their chart-topping hits, including the timeless 1980 disco classic 'I'm in the Mood for Dancing', which found success across Europe and was a No. 1 hit in Japan.
Linda was a celebrated figure both on stage and in television.
After departing from The Nolans in 1983, she pursued a successful career in musical theatre, notably performing in the West End production of 'Blood Brothers'.
Her Guinness World Record achievement for the most siblings to perform the same role in a musical, shared with her sisters Bernie and Denise, stands as a testament to her enduring talent and familial collaboration.
Her ventures into television included memorable roles on reality TV shows such as 'Come Dine With Me' and 'Celebrity Big Brother', along with a recurring presence on ITV's talk show 'Loose Women'.
It was on this show in 2017 that Linda bravely revealed her ongoing battle with cancer, the same illness she had initially overcome in 2011 following a diagnosis in 2005.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Linda contributed as a writer, becoming a Sunday Times bestselling author and regularly engaging readers through her column in the Daily Mirror.
Her final entry was published just a week before her passing.
Linda's personal life saw her married to Brian Hudson, who later managed her career after her time with The Nolans.
He preceded her in death in 2007. Her sister Bernie also succumbed to cancer in 2013.
The Nolans' influence transcended the UK music scene, having toured with legendary figures such as Frank Sinatra.
In a notable career moment, Linda also made an unexpected foray into rock music with a collaboration alongside Motörhead's Lemmy in 1981.
While her career was filled with triumphs, Linda also faced challenges, including public allegations in 2014 against Rolf Harris, whom she accused of sexually assaulting her during a tour in South Africa when she was 15.
Linda Nolan leaves behind a legacy of artistic achievement, strength in adversity, and an indelible mark on the music and television industries.
Her contributions as part of The Nolans and as a solo performer remain celebrated by fans worldwide.
