Linda Nolan’s heartbreaking final hours revealed before ‘the dreaded call’

Linda Nolan was ‘laughing and joking’ in the final hours before her death, her sister has shared.

The Irish singer, who rose to fame at the age of 15 alongside her sisters in the group The Nolans, died on Wednesday morning aged 65 after contracting double pneumonia over the festive period.

Linda had been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, and her sister Denise has opened up about her last moments.

‘She’d been laughing and joking, although the medical team had told her she had to stay quiet to let her treatment do its job,’ she told the Mirror. ‘Everyone was being quietly optimistic as she’d seemed so cheerful.’

However, the family received the ‘dreaded call’ in the early hours of Tuesday after Linda had taken a turn.

Denise added: ‘Then at 3.30am on Tuesday, we got the dreaded call, “Get to the hospital ASAP.” ‘

Nolan’s death was announced ‘with profound sadness’ last week, as her family said ‘the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable’.

A spokesperson added: ‘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.’

Her sister and Loose Women star Coleen Nolan said in her own post that she is ‘utterly devastated’ at Linda’s death, describing her as a ‘beacon of love, kindness, and strength’.

‘Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room,’ she wrote, adding: ‘Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.’

And Maureen said: ‘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 am heartbroken as we all are, just so sad [heartbroken emojis].

‘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.’

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