Linda Nolan’s sister Maureen has revealed that the beloved singer and TV personality did not die from cancer, but rather from double pneumonia.
The Irish star passed away on Wednesday at the age of 65, surrounded by family at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Maureen shared on Instagram: “I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, she didn’t [let] the big C… actually get her.”
She explained that Linda had contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year, and due to her weakened immune system, “it was one battle too much.”
The former Nolans singer had been battling various forms of cancer for nearly 20 years, having first been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.
Linda’s manager Dermot McNamara confirmed she was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital over the weekend after falling ill.
Linda Nolan died on Wednesday
PA
She went into a coma and received end-of-life care on Tuesday before passing away on Wednesday morning at around 10:20am.
The hospital’s MCEW Ward staff were praised by the family for their tireless efforts during Linda’s final days.
Just last Thursday, Linda had written in her Daily Mirror column about being unwell over the Christmas period, initially believing it was flu.
“I’d walk a few steps and struggle to catch my breath,” she had written, adding poignantly: “It’ll take more than flu to finish me off.”
Linda Nolan did not in fact died of cancer, her sister revealed
INSTAGRAM/@thelindanolan
The Blackpool Tower was lit up in pink on Wednesday evening in memory of the star, reflecting her dedication to breast cancer awareness.
Sister Coleen paid an emotional tribute, saying: “Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room.”
“Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched,” Coleen added, noting how Linda “always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.”
Anne Nolan remembered her sister’s ability to find “humour in life’s darkest corners” in her own Instagram tribute.
Linda’s nephew Jake Roche also shared memories, saying: “She was THAT Auntie. The one that let you stay up late, would occasionally let you swear, and would sit and go through the whole Mickey monologue from Blood Brothers with me until I had it down.”
Linda rose to fame as part of The Nolans alongside sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, with the group known for hits including “I’m In The Mood For Dancing.”
After leaving the group in 1983, she established herself in musical theatre, performing in shows including Blood Brothers and Prisoner Cell Block “H”.
Her cancer journey began with a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, receiving the all-clear in 2011. However, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, which later spread to her brain.
Throughout her illness, Linda remained dedicated to charitable causes, helping to raise more than £20 million for organisations including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.
The Nolans’ success included touring with Frank Sinatra and starring in their own BBC TV specials.
