Coleen Nolan pays tribute to sister Linda, who died earlier this year
Coleen Nolan has paid tribute to sister Linda Nolan on what would have been her 66th birthday.
The Irish singer died in January this year, after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which had spread to her brain.
Pop sensation Linda rose to fame at the age of 15, starring alongside her sisters as a member of the Anglo-Irish pop group the Nolans.
The singer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was initially pronounced cancer-free after six years of treatment in 2011.
However, tumours were subsequently found in her hip bone and pelvis in 2017, leading to another diagnosis of incurable secondary breast cancer.
After receiving palliative care for the condition, Linda died last month, aged 65, having contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year.
‘Think of you every day…’
Loose Women host Coleen, 59, has now shared some words on her late sibling’s birthday, describing her as ‘beautiful’ and speaking of the void left by her absence.
Sharing a video to her Instagram account, Coleen spoke of how she was missing her sister today.
‘To my beautiful sister… think of you everyday , but especially today on your birthday… I miss you so much and life won’t be the same without you in it… 💔 [sic]’, wrote Coleen.
In the video, the sisters can be seen dancing and celebrating at a party while choral music plays in the background.
One shot shows Coleen and Linda laughing uproariously as Linda removes her wig.
Fans react to tribute
In the comments below, heartbroken fans spared a thought for Linda on her special day.
‘What a wonderful memory of a beautiful sister. I’m not crying 🩷🩷🩷’ said angelinaben1.
‘This is a lovely video and tribute to your Sister 💕’ wrote fatxz65.
‘What a BEAUTIFUL video Col, I can’t speak 💔💔💔’ said mono2492.
‘This made me cry & laugh at the same time, happy heavenly birthday beautiful Linda,’ agreed babsie_anne.
Coleen previously released a statement following Linda’s death, writing on Instagram: ‘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.’
Earlier this month, the ‘remarkable life’ of Linda Nolan was celebrated in a moving ceremony which saw Linda arrive in style, in a pink glittery coffin.
Held at St. Paul’s Church in Blackpool, Lancashire, the ceremony saw Anne, Maureen, Coleen and Denise bid farewell to their sister with friends and other family members.
The family wore black, but some accessorised by pinning pink ribbons to their outfits or carrying pink handbags.
During the eulogy, sister Denise said: ‘She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and make-up done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion.
‘She would have loved all the fuss today.’
The Nolans were formed in Blackpool in 1974 by parents Maureen and Tommy Nolan, with the band’s lineup originally consisting of the parents and seven of their eight children.
Through the 1970s and 80s, the band became known for chart-topping hits I’m In The Mood For Dancing, Gotta Pull Myself Together and Chemistry.
The Nolans scored seven UK top 20 hits in total and built an enormous international following, most notably in Japan.
During their peak, they even toured with Frank Sinatra, with Linda revealing during an appearance on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip: ‘He called us his daughters and it was fabulous.’
In a cruel twist of fate, a number of The Nolans have been diagnosed with cancer, with Bernie, Anne and Linda all having been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Bernie died of the disease in 2013, aged 52, while sister Anne, 74, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2020, although she is now cancer-free.
Meanwhile, Coleen revealed that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer in 2023 and has been undergoing treatment to assist in its removal.
Coleen Nolan pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ late sister on her 66th birthday