Home Entertainment Maureen Nolan breaks her silence after her sister Linda’s death with emotional tribute and confirms cancer wasn’t her cause of death

Maureen Nolan breaks her silence after her sister Linda’s death with emotional tribute and confirms cancer wasn’t her cause of death

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Maureen Nolan has broken her silence following the death of her sister Linda aged 65 on Wednesday

Maureen Nolan has broken her silence following the death of her sister Linda at the age of 65 on Wednesday.

Linda passed away in hospital along with her famous sisters amid a 20-year battle with breast cancer, her agent Dermot McNamara confirmed.

But Maureen confirmed in her tribute that Linda did not actually die of cancer, but contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year.

She wrote: ‘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’m heartbroken like all of us, so sad (heartbroken emojis).

“I would just like to say to all the people who were inspired by Linda, that she didn’t understand that the capital C really got to her.

‘She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one too many battles.

Maureen Nolan has broken her silence following the death of her sister Linda aged 65 on Wednesday

Maureen confirmed in her tribute that Linda did not actually die of cancer, but rather contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year.

Maureen confirmed in her tribute that Linda did not actually die of cancer, but rather contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year.

“So please stay hopeful and strong if you’re suffering. She lasted almost 20 years with one cancer or another, and you can too.”

As part of her tribute, she shared a series of snaps of the couple together at various events and family gatherings.

Linda’s sister and Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan also shared a separate statement the day before writing: “I am completely devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda.

‘Linda was a beacon of love, kindness and strength. His wit, humor and laughter were infectious, his 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 lies she touched, and although we miss her more than words can express, we are comforted by the love and warmth she shared with us all. Rest in peace Linda. You will forever be in our hearts.

‘I love you, Coleen xxx (Colette)’

Consoling Coleen and her family, Leigh Francis wrote: ‘Sending you magical powers xxx’, Nicola Appleton wrote: ‘I’m so sorry xx’.

Linda died in hospital with her famous sisters amid a 20-year battle with breast cancer, her agent Dermot McNamara confirmed.

Linda died in hospital with her famous sisters amid a 20-year battle with breast cancer, her agent Dermot McNamara confirmed.

Linda rose to fame alongside her sisters as a member of the girl band The Nolan Sisters and their 1979 hit I'm In The Mood For Dancing.

Linda rose to fame alongside her sisters as a member of the girl band The Nolan Sisters and their 1979 hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

Meanwhile, his nephew Shane Nolan paid tribute to his “beautiful aunt.”

He posted: ‘My beautiful Aunt Linda. Yesterday I was able to spend a few hours with her, which I am very grateful.’

Coleen’s Loose Women co-stars Christine Lampard, Kelly Brook, Myleene Klass and Nadia Sawalha paid an emotional on-air tribute to Linda, who was a regular panelist on the show, shortly after her death was announced.

Sharing her precious memories, Nadia said: ‘Nothing is prepared because there is a moment when the light goes out, and when the light goes out, it is the most terrible shock.

“They have been through a lot as a family and we send them all our love.”

Christine added: ‘Sending love to Coleen, Linda’s family, all the family. We are thinking of all of you today.’

Meanwhile, Love Island’s Amy Hart wrote: “The nicest lady (crying face emoji).”

His agent Dermot McNamara confirmed his death on Wednesday.

On their official X account shortly after her death was announced, The Nolans wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the beloved Linda Nolan. She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace and determination, inspiring millions.

‘Surrounded by her family, she passed away peacefully. “Linda, a pop icon and a beacon of hope, will never be forgotten.”

Linda rose to fame alongside her sisters as a member of the girl band The Nolan Sisters and their 1979 hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

Last week, Linda told The Mirror that she had started to feel better, after falling ill over Christmas with what she thought was a bout of flu.

Her sister and Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan also shared a separate statement on Instagram.

Her sister and Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan also shared a separate statement on Instagram.

Coleen's Loose Women co-stars Christine Lampard, Kelly Brook, Myleene Klass and Nadia Sawalha paid an emotional on-air tribute to Linda shortly after her death was announced.

Coleen’s Loose Women co-stars Christine Lampard, Kelly Brook, Myleene Klass and Nadia Sawalha paid an emotional on-air tribute to Linda shortly after her death was announced.

In what would be the publication’s last column, he wrote: ‘The doctors say it was a serious case of the flu. He walked a few steps and struggled to catch his breath.

‘My legs were shaking even more than usual and, although I try not to, I thought about how Bernie was at the end. You think, “Oh my God, is this it?”

“It wasn’t until Monday that I felt well enough to venture out. It feels like a whole new world out there. There’s nothing like the feeling of starting to feel better after an illness.

“You’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel normal (well, do I say normal?).” In what will prove to be a poignant final line, she added: “I’m not a fan of resolutions, but here’s one: that.” It will take more than the flu to finish me off.

In November, she admitted she “never expected to make it to Christmas”, meaning the festive period meant even more to her.

She said: ‘I can’t wait (for Christmas). I don’t want to be morbid, but I didn’t think it would make it to Christmas, so that’s a real plus.

‘We love Christmas as a family and we will all get together at (sister) Denise’s house. It will be great. We all had a great time when we got together, so I can’t wait. I especially love seeing all the little ones and how excited they get.’

The Loose Women panellist’s sister Coleen added that she was hoping to be here to celebrate with her family next year too before posting a health update.

Linda told the publication that she was receiving chemotherapy once every three weeks in addition to having her blood drawn, and if the results were positive, she would receive another round of treatment.

She added: ‘You have to be careful with chemotherapy. I’ve lost my hair again: I’m bald for the fifth time and it still affects me every time.

‘I get distressed when he leaves. As for pain, I have a cramp in my leg which hurts a lot, but other than that I don’t feel any pain, which is good.’

Despite her health problems, Linda remained positive, telling the magazine that she has been fighting cancer since 2005 and vowed to keep fighting as long as she could.

She described how on her 60th birthday she hoped to move on to the next year and, defying the odds, managed to make it to 65.

And he added: “If you lose hope, you lose everything.” It’s hard sometimes, but you have to have the resilience to say, “Yes, I’m not going to lie in bed feeling sorry for myself.”

Linda added that she keeps herself in good spirits by making sure to stay busy and get outdoors as often as she can.

She said she even sits outside in her yard in the freezing cold because the fresh air makes her feel better.

Staying busy is as important as getting out. Even if you’re sitting outside in your garden in this cold weather, getting some fresh air always makes you feel better.”

Linda also previously shared that a recent fall made her realize she could no longer live independently and she moved in with her sister.

She said she was forced to accept that she could not return home and, despite temporarily moving in with Denise and Tom, has now been with them for 18 months.

Linda’s update comes after she begged cancer to leave her family alone in an interview with Good Morning Britain in August.

Linda fought back tears as she shared her plea as she prepared to undergo treatment for the fifth time.

Linda was originally cleared for breast cancer in 2006, but was then diagnosed with an incurable secondary cancer in 2017.

And in August, Linda posted an update that the tumors in her brain, thought to be stable, had grown.

Linda was a regular panelist on Loose Women alongside her sister Coleen, who regularly presents the show (pictured together in 2016).

Linda was a regular panelist on Loose Women alongside her sister Coleen, who regularly presents the show (pictured together in 2016).

Linda's sisters also have a history of cancer; She, Coleen and Anne were diagnosed and Bernie passed away from the disease in 2013.

Linda’s sisters also have a history of cancer; She, Coleen and Anne were diagnosed and Bernie passed away from the disease in 2013.

The Nolan sisters in 1981

The Nolan sisters in 1981

Appearing on GMB, Linda revealed that she was being scheduled for a new chemotherapy treatment as a result of the update and shared the news that she may be facing losing her hair once again.

He also revealed the physical toll the ongoing treatment was taking on his smile, pointing to a gap in his teeth and exclaiming: ‘Look, I’ve lost a tooth!’

Linda married Brian Hudson, who was The Nolans’ tour manager, in 1981, two years after they met.

After she left the group, Brian became Linda’s tour manager and they remained married until her death from liver failure in 2007.

Linda’s sisters also have a history of cancer: she, Coleen and Anne were diagnosed and Bernie passed away from the disease in 2013.

Linda’s sister Anne was the first to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and although she got the all-clear, she was diagnosed again in April 2020.

Just a few days later, Linda was told that her secondary breast cancer had spread to her liver, so the sisters decided to undergo chemotherapy together.

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