ITV’s Loose Women star Coleen Nolan tragically lost her second sister, Linda Nolan, to a devastating cancer battle earlier this year. The late 65-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago, and although she went into remission, the disease returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017. It then sadly spread to her hip and pelvis, then to her brain by 2023.
While Linda’s death was attributed to pneumonia, Coleen revealed it “happened so quickly,” and sent her on a downward spiral, and she “lost her mojo for everything.” At the time, the TV star took a break from her regular panellist role and left much of the running of the house and her small farm to her daughter Ciara, 24.
Coleen reflected: “Linda had cancer for 20 years and was so positive. I got to a point where I thought she’d outlive us all. Then, when it happened, it happened so quickly.
“Afterwards, I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was overwhelming,” she added in an interview to OK! Magazine.
She continued: “My kids literally didn’t leave my side, and when I needed to be alone, they would be in the next room.
“Ciara took control of everything and everyone that came round. I’d be asked to do something and say ‘yes’, and she’d jump in and tell them no, I wasn’t ready.”
Linda died on January 15 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, following her younger sister Bernie Nolan's death in 2013, at just 52.
In a statement, her agent Dermot McNamara said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, a 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 10.10am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn't do enough; they were tireless and made it much more bearable.
“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.”
