Linda Nolan, a member of the popular Irish pop group The Nolans, has passed away at the age of 65. Her death follows a more than 20-year battle with cancer. The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 15th, via The Nolans’ official X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement celebrated Nolan’s courageous fight against incurable cancer, highlighting her grace, determination, and the inspiration she provided to millions. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.
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Nolan’s agent confirmed to the BBC that she was hospitalized with double pneumonia over the weekend preceding her death. She subsequently fell into a coma on the morning of January 14th and passed away the following day. Linda rose to fame in the late 1970s as a member of The Nolans, alongside her sisters Maureen, Anne, Bernie, Denise, and Coleen. While the group’s lineup changed over time, their success remained consistent. They released over a dozen albums and achieved international recognition with their 1979 disco hit “I’m in the Mood for Dancing.”
The song reached number three on the UK Singles chart and boasts over 29 million streams on Spotify. The Nolans were the first Irish act to sell over a million records globally, further solidifying their place in music history. Other notable hits include “Gotta Pull Myself Together” and “Attention to Me.” Linda left the group in 1983 but rejoined her sisters for various reunion performances throughout her career.
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Linda’s first breast cancer diagnosis came in 2005, with a recurrence in 2017. By 2023, the cancer had metastasized to her brain. In a candid interview with OK! magazine in December, she expressed sadness about her impending death but maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. Tragically, Linda’s sister Bernie also succumbed to breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52. Anne, another sister, battled breast cancer twice, receiving her initial diagnosis in 2000 and a second in 2020. She is currently cancer-free. Coleen, the youngest of the Nolan sisters, announced her skin cancer diagnosis in July 2023. Following Linda’s passing, Coleen shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, celebrating her sister’s strength, kindness, humor, and infectious spirit.
