Coleen Nolan has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late sister Linda on what would have been Linda’s 66th birthday. Linda, a member of the popular family pop group The Nolans, passed away last month at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. The Nolan sisters, including Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, were well-known for their music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, received the all-clear in 2011, but later faced a recurrence of the disease which tragically spread to her brain.
In a touching post on social media, Coleen expressed her deep love for her sister, saying, “To my beautiful sister, think of you every day, but especially today on your birthday. I miss you so much and life won’t be the same without you in it.” Alongside her words, Coleen shared a video of herself and Linda dancing joyfully at a party, highlighting the special bond they shared. Linda’s recent funeral in Blackpool was a poignant moment, with her loved ones bidding her a final farewell. The public paid their respects as Linda arrived at St Paul’s Church in a pink sparkly coffin, demonstrating the impact she had on many lives.
During the funeral service, Linda’s sister Denise Nolan-Anderson fondly remembered Linda as the “life and soul of any big occasion,” acknowledging her vibrant spirit and love for celebrations. The Nolan family has faced multiple cancer diagnoses, with Coleen revealing her own battle with skin cancer last year, and Anne overcoming breast cancer for the second time in 2020. Tragically, Bernie passed away from breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52, underscoring the family’s difficult journey with the disease.
As part of The Nolans, Linda achieved success with hit songs like “Gotta Pull Myself Together” and “I’m In The Mood For Dancing,” which resonated with audiences in the UK. Linda’s talent extended beyond music, as she also ventured into musical theatre with performances in productions such as Blood Brothers and Prisoner Cell Block H. Additionally, she shared her voice and experiences through a column in the Daily Mirror, connecting with readers on a personal level.
The legacy of Linda Nolan lives on through her impactful contributions to the entertainment industry and her enduring presence in the hearts of her family and fans. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Nolan sisters continue to honour Linda’s memory and showcase their resilience in the face of adversity. Linda’s remarkable journey and the outpouring of love and support following her passing serve as a testament to the lasting impact she had on those around her, leaving behind a cherished legacy that will be remembered for years to come.