Linda Nolan made heartbreaking preparations for her own funeral including picking out her own coffin and selecting the music to be played in the final years before her death, aged 65.
The singer passed away in hospital yesterday with her famous sisters by her side following double pneumonia amid a 20-year battle with breast cancer, her agent Dermot McNamara confirmed.
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, before being given the all clear in 2011.
But in 2017 she was informed by doctors she had secondary breast cancer, and in 2023 told fans of its return after tumours were detected on her brain.
Just last week the former Nolans star wrote in the Mirror that she was beginning to feel better after contracting pneumonia, but two days later she was rushed to hospital with breathing problems.
Following her death tributes have poured in for the star, including from her sister and Loose Women presenter Coleen Nolan.
Linda had heartbreakingly planned her own funeral in the years before her death, right down to her glitter pink coffin.
Writing in her autobiography From The Heart in 2018, she explained: ‘I want to get all my affairs ‘in order’, as they say. I’ve caused my family enough worry over the years and so I want everything I can decided now so they don’t have to if I become very poorly.’
Linda Nolan’s death aged 65 was revealed in a statement released by her agent Dermot McNamara, who revealed that she passed away on Wednesday morning
Linda rose to fame in the 1970s alongside her sisters Maureen, Coleen and Bernie as a member of the girlband The Nolan Sisters
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, before being given the all clear in 2011
She added: ‘I’ve chosen the songs for my funeral… I would like There You’ll Be from Pearl Harbor sung by Faith Hill.
‘The words couldn’t be more fitting for the moment when I’ll finally be going to meet Brian again.’
The singer’s husband, Brian Hudson, died of liver failure in 2007 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Linda wrote: ‘It’s the song we played at his funeral. The song we’d jokingly rowed about years earlier as to which of us would have it at our funeral. A row in the days when we thought dying was a million miles away. Goodness, how things have changed.’
She also previously revealed her coffin choice, telling the Mirror: ‘Brian organised his funeral and it was amazing.
‘Bernie arranged hers. It’s easier for people left behind. I’ve gone into it a little bit. A Neil Sedaka song, Our Last Song Together. And I know the funeral people I’m going to use.
‘Brian’s coffin was like a flight case, with ‘This way up’, ‘Fragile’ on it.
‘Our auntie had a beautiful coffin with pictures of us around it.
‘Then Maureen said, ‘Look at this coffin, it was made for you, it’s pink glitter’.’
Following the success of their hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing in 1979, the band went onto tour the world
Linda’s sisters also have a history of cancer, with herself, Coleen and Anne all receiving diagnoses and Bernie passing away from the disease in 2013
Her sister and Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan also shared a separate statement on Instagram
Taking to their official X account shortly after her death was announced, the Nolan sisters wrote an emotional tribute
One of six sisters, Linda rose to fame in the 1970s in a group with sisters Bernie, Coleen and Maurine.
After their hit song I’m In The Mood For Dancing in 1979, the band went onto tour the world and became a household name.
But cancer has plagued the Nolan family for decades, with Linda’s sister Bernie also dying from the disease in 2013.
Sisters Coleen and Anne have also previously been diagnosed with cancer.
Following the announcement Coleen released a statement on Instagram and said: ‘Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room.
‘Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.’
Conforming her death on Wednesday, her agent wrote: ‘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.
‘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.
Linda Nolan pictured with sister Bernie, who died from cancer in 2013
Linda previously picked out a glitter pink coffin for her funeral and decided on what music she wanted playing
The Nolan sisters became household names after their musical success
‘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.
‘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 passed 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.’
