Linda Nolan has sadly pᴀssed away with her famous sisters by her side following a 20-year battle with breast cancer.

The singer’s death was revealed in a statement released by her agent Dermot McNamara, who revealed that she pᴀssed away on Wednesday morning following a battle with pneumonia.

He said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the pᴀssing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist.

‘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, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me and the iconic disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing. 

‘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 £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others. 

Linda Nolan has sadly pᴀssed away with her famous sisters by her side following a 20-year battle with breast cancer

The singer’s death was revealed in a statement released by her agent Dermot McNamara, who revealed that she pᴀssed away on Wednesday morning following a battle with pneumonia

‘Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy.

‘Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family.

‘At around 10:20am on Wednesday 15th January, she pᴀssed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65.

‘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.

‘Her family kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time, while they and Linda’s friends grieve the loss of an extraordinary woman. Details of a celebration of Linda’s remarkable life will be shared in due course.

‘Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.’

Linda rose to fame alongside her sisters as a member of the girlband The Nolan Sisters, and their 1979 hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing. 

Just last week, Linda told The Mirror that she had begun to feel better, after falling ill over Christmas with what she thought was a bout of flu.

Linda rose to fame in the 1970s alongside her sisters Maureen, Coleen and Bernie as a member of the girlband The Nolan Sisters

Following the success of their hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing in 1979, the band went onto tour the world

In what would be final column for the publication, she wrote: ‘The doctors say it’s been a bad case of flu. I’d walk a few steps and struggle to catch my breath. 

‘My legs were even more wobbly than usual and, although I try not to, I thought of how Bernie was at the end. You think, ”Oh my God, is this it?”

“It was only on Monday I felt well enough to venture out. It feels like a whole new world out there. There’s nothing like the sensation of starting to feel better after an illness. 

‘You’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel normal (well, I say normal?).” In what will prove to be a poignant final line, she added: “I’m no fan of resolutions but here’s one: It’ll take more than flu to finish me off.’

In November, admitted that she ‘never expected to make it to Christmas’, meaning that the festive period meant all the more to her.

She said: ‘I can’t wait [for Christmas]. Not to be morbid, but I didn’t think I’d make Christmas, so it’s a real bonus. 

‘We love Christmas as a family and we’re all going to gather at [sister] Denise’s. It will be great. We all have such a good time when we get together so I can’t wait. I especially love seeing all the little ones and how excited they get.’

The sister of Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan added that she hoped to be here to celebrate with her family next year as well before issuing a health update. 

Linda told the publication that she was undergoing chemotherapy once every three weeks alongside having her bloods taken and if the results were positive, she was going on to have another round of treatment. 

She added: ‘You have to be careful with chemo. I’ve lost my hair again – I’m bald for the fifth time and it still gets to me each time.

‘I’m distraught when it goes. Pain-wise I get a cramp in my leg which really hurts, but apart from that there’s no pain, which is good.’

Despite her health struggles Linda remained positive and told the magazine that she has been fighting cancer since 2005 and vowed to continue fighting as long as she could. 

She described how on her 60th birthday she hoped to make it through to the next year and, defying the odds, has managed to make it to 65.

She added: ‘If you lose hope, you lose everything. It’s hard sometimes, but you’ve gotta have the stamina to go, “Yeah, I’m not going to lie in bed feeling sorry for myself.”‘

Linda added that she remains in good spirits by making sure she keeps busy and gets outside as often as she can. 

She said she’ll even sit outside in her garden in the freezing cold because the fresh air makes her feel better. 

Keeping busy is important as is getting outside. Even if it is sitting outside in your garden in this cold weather getting some fresh air always makes you feel better.”

Linda also previously shared that a recent fall made her realise she could no longer live independently and has moved in with her sister. 

She said she was forced to accept she couldn’t return to her home and despite only moving in with Denise and Tom temporarily, has now been with them for 18 months. 

Linda’s update comes after she begged cancer to leave her family alone in an interview with Good Morning Britain in August. 

Linda fought back tears as she she shared her plea as she prepared to undergo treatment for a fifth time. 

Linda originally received the all-clear from breast cancer in 2006, but was later diagnosed with incurable secondary cancer in 2017. 

And in August, Linda issued an update that the tumours in her brain – which were thought to be stable – have grown.

Appearing on GMB, Linda revealed that she was being set on a new course of chemotherapy as a result of the update – and shared the news that she could face losing her hair once again.

She also revealed the physical toll the ongoing treatment was taking on her smile, pointing to a gap in her teeth and exclaiming: ‘Look, I’ve lost a tooth!’

Linda married Brian Hudson, who was The Nolans’ tour manager, in 1981, two years after they first met.

After she left the group, Brian became Linda’s tour manager, and they stayed married until his death from liver failure in 2007.

Linda’s sisters also have a history of cancer, with herself, Colleen and Anne all receiving diagnoses and Bernie pᴀssing away from the disease in 2013.

Linda’s sister Anne was the first to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, and while she got the all-clear, she was diagnoses again in April 2020. 

Just days later Linda was told her secondary breast cancer had spread to her liver, so the sisters decided to undergo their chemotherapy together.