Tributes have been paid to the singer and TV personality Linda Nolan following her death at the age of 65.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 before she was given the all-clear in 2011,
However, in 2017 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which had spread by 2020.
Linda first rose to fame at just 15 years old alongside her three sisters who comprised The Nolans.
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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/f1mUJTOzyP
— The Nolans (@The_Nolans) January 15, 2025
The sisters were a mainstay of Saturday night television in the 1970s, with their biggest hit being 1979’s ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’.
Outside of her singing career, she was a recurring guest panellist on Loose Women from 2018 and was also a columnist for The Mirror.
Her sisters – Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59 – were reportedly by her side during her final moments.
Tributes paid to Linda Nolan after death aged 65
Many tributes were paid online to Linda, with the official The Nolans account on X (formerly known as Twitter) posting: “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.”
People within the UK media industry sent out messages of condolence, including the author, columnist and talent agent Melanie Blake.
She posted: “Such sad news that we knew all would one day arrive but #LindaNolan really showed Cancer what she thought of it – a true ledge who Will forever be ‘in the mood for dancing’.”
Such sad news that we knew all would one day arrive 😞 but #LindaNolan really showed Cancer what she thought of it🖕 – a true ledge who Will forever be ‘in the mood for dancing’ 👑 💔 xx https://t.co/gWBHH14eah
— Melanie Blake (@MelanieBlakeUK) January 15, 2025
Loose Women, with whom Nolan was a panellist, shared a short statement on Instagram.
They wrote: “We are saddened by the news Linda Nolan, Coleen’s sister, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, has died at the age of 65.”
“We are sending all our love to Coleen and Linda’s family,” they continued.
Meanwhile, the actor and writer Brett Herriot shared: “So sad to hear my original Mrs Johnstone from Blood Brothers the wonderful Linda Nolan has passed away. An incredible talent and generous human being.”
Jessica Boulton, who is Showbiz Editor at The Mirror, wrote: “Incredibly sad news at @DailyMirror today. We’ve lost a wonderful columnist @LindaNolan_ who was so generous, funny and positive. Thank you for your hard work until the end. Thoughts with all #TheNolans #LindaNolanRIP”.
Singer Cheryl Baker posted: “Oh no! I’ve just heard the news about @LindaNolan_ . The most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, such a massive talent. You’re with Brian now, Lin. Thoughts are with all the family.”
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Alongside those, Linda’s nephew Shane simply wrote: “My beautiful Aunty Linda. got to spend a few hours with her yesterday which im very grateful for.”
The charity Breast Cancer Now also shared a message, saying: “We’re heartbroken to hear of the death of our long-standing ambassador @LindaNolan_.
“Linda was an unwavering supporter of our work – especially as an advocate for championing the needs of people living with secondary breast cancer.”