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Linda Nolan's cause of death 'not cancer' as heartbroken sister shares emotional update

Beloved singer Linda Nolan has died at the age of 65 with her famous sisters by her side, and now her grieving sibling Maureen has shared more details about her passing

[Linda Nolan's sister Maureen]

Linda Nolan's sister Maureen has confirmed that Linda died of double pneumonia, and not cancer(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Linda Nolan didn't die of cancer, her sister Maureen has confirmed.

The beloved pop star and TV personality has died aged 65 after a lengthy battle with secondary breast cancer. She passed on Wednesday (January 15) surrounded by her famous sisters and her final hours were said to have been full of "love and comfort."

Nolan, who shot to fame with her sisters in the Irish girl group The Nolans, had recently told of how she was "so grateful" to see another Christmas and admitted she feared Christmas 2024 would be her last. In December, she told The Mirror that, heartbreakingly, her hope for 2025 was to "not die" so that she could spend time with her family.

Last week, Linda had been ill over the Christmas period but recently revealed she had been feeling better. However, on Saturday she went into hospital suffering from breathing problems, and diagnosed with double pneumonia.

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She paid an emotional tribute to her sister, with who she shared "countless" memories(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Tragically, because of her secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain, her condition sadly deteriorated. Linda's sister Maureen has now said it wasn't cancer, telling fans that "the big C didn't actually get her", but Linda's pneumonia diagnosis was "one battle too much".

Maureen took to Instagram to pay tribute to Linda, writing: "Our beautiful @thelindanolan left us yesterday, so much to say not sure where or if I can start, countless memories, countless laughs, and constant support when you really needed it, I am heartbroken as we all are, just so sad [heartbroken emojis].

[Linda Nolan]

Maureen told fans how "heartbroken" she and Linda's family are following Linda's passing(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

"I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, she didn't the big C didn't actually get her. She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one battle too much. So please keep hopeful and strong if you are suffering, she lasted nearly 20 yrs with one cancer or another, and so can you."

Linda's agent Dermot McNamara confirmed her passing in a statement given to the Mirror: "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."

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Linda with sisters Coleen, Bernie, and Maureen(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

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."

Linda sung in The Nolans alongside sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne. She had battled breast cancer for 20 years, since her diagnosis in 2005. She was given the all-clear in 2011, but sadly the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer in 2017, in 2020, had spread further, and in 2023, had reached her brain.

Loose Women star Coleen also paid an emotional tribute to Linda, writing: "I am utterly devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda. Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. 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.

"Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us. Rest in peace, Linda. You will forever be in our hearts." Coleen's son and Linda's nephew, Jake Roche, shared: "I will miss my aunty Linda greatly. 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. She had a remarkable life and I take comfort in the fact she lived it authentically. Thank you for all your kind words."

Linda revealed in her last column for the Mirror that she'd been unwell over Christmas, writing: "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."

Linda said she 'tries to stay positive," and that her Christmas wish was to "keep breathing and see another one". Linda had already planned her own funeral to help her nearest and dearest after her passing.

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