Linda Nolan’s sister opens up on singer’s final hours in hospital that prompted staff to step in before tragic death
THE sister of Linda Nolan has described the singer’s final hours before she tragically died aged 65.
The singer and TV personality passed away on Wednesday with her famous sisters at her side.
She died at around 10.20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward following a battle with cancer.
Linda’s sister Denise revealed how her sister was in good spirits before they got a fateful call from the hospital.
“She’d been laughing and joking, although the medical team had told her she had to stay quiet to let her treatment do its job,” Denise said.
“Everyone was being quietly optimistic as she’d seemed so cheerful.
“Then at 3.30am on Tuesday, we got the dreaded call: ‘Get to the hospital ASAP.'”
Linda had been first diagnosed in 2005 with breast cancer but was given the all clear in 2011.
Then, in 2017, she received an incurable secondary breast cancer diagnosis and had been battling it ever since.
She died on January 15 at around 10.20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward.
Her sister and Loose Women regular Coleen Nolan shared a tribute to Linda on X.
‘LINDA WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN’
Coleen captioned it with a broken heart emoji.
Alongside a black and white photo of the pair, it read: “It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Linda Nolan.
“She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions. Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully.
“A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten.”
A statement released by her agent, Dermot McNamara, said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing 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.
“She passed at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward.
“The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable.”
The statement continued: “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.”
MORE TRIBUTES POUR IN
Coleen’s fellow ITV co-stars took a moment to share a touching tribute to the popular singer during Wednesday’s Loose Women episode.
Panellist Christine Lampard said: “Some very sad news for you now, Linda Nolan – Coleen’s sister was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, has died at the age of 65.”
Christine then read out the statement.
She went on to say: “We’ve been talking about Linda for so long with Coleen and I know it was an incredibly tough time for the family, but you’re just never prepared.”
Linda made the heartbreaking confession that she was “terrified of death” just three weeks before she passed away.
In an interview before Christmas, Linda said: “What scares me the most? Dying.
“I am sad that it is going to happen.”
Comedian Tommy Cannon has also paid tribute, sharing a photo of a gig poster which featured his double act Cannon and Ball, with Bobby Ball, alongside The Nolans.
The 86-year-old wrote in an Instagram post: “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan.
“I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love.
“My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”
Also paying tribute was radio and TV presenter Terry Christian, who said in a post on X: “RIP Linda Nolan. Met most of the Nolan sisters back in day – all fantastic women.”
Amid her worry for what was to come, Linda confessed to OK Magazine that she had to just “let it happen” and “make time with the people that you love”.