Linda Nolan, who sadly died today (Wednesday, January 15) revealed in December that she was “praying” she “keeps going” and that Christmas 2024 wouldn’t be her last.
The singer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, the same disease that killed her sister Bernie in 2013. She beat it once in 2006, but the illness returned in 2017 and spread to her hip, liver and brain.
Despite the unimaginable mental and physical challenges that are common with cancer, Linda was trying to live her best life by making every celebration and every special moment with loved ones count.
Linda’s death
Earlier today, it was announced that Linda had sadly passed away.
In a statement, her agent said: “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 was 65 years old.
Linda Nolan’s Christmas wish amid cancer battle
In December, the star opened up about her fears for Christmas.
The Celebrity Big Brother star was prone to frequent injuries because of her health condition affecting her legs and movement. After suffering another fall earlier in the month, the star said: “I’ll use jokes and humour as a way to cope, but of course it’s scary. And I have my days where I’m terribly down,” she said, after revealing that she tries to stay “positive”.
I’ve always loved Christmas, my mum and dad would always make it so special for us.
When asked about the forthcoming holiday, Linda opened up about her fears. She said her Christmas wish was to “keep breathing and see another one”.
However, she was also looking forward to the celebrations with her sisters – although she revealed she’d see Loose Women star Coleen on Boxing Day as she’d be with her family on Christmas Day.
With 20 of her friends and family coming over, they celedbrated the lives of her beloved sister Bernie, Aunty Theresa, and their mum and dad, Linda said.
New Year plans
The TV star had an equally thrilling New Year’s celebration lined up. She would be ringing in the New Year with a party in a hotel up the road with Coleen and more friends.
Recollecting her childhood memories of the festive season, the 65-year-old singer said: “I’ve always loved Christmas, my mum and dad would always make it so special for us. And that’s carried on all our lives. I still shout: ‘He’s been!’ every Christmas morning like I did when I was little. We’ll eat, drink and sing carols. And I should point out, I won’t be cooking. I have cancer, that’s my excuse,” she told OK! Magazine, with a wink.
One topic she avoids discussing
Linda was being taken care of by her sister Denise. She moved in with her after suffering a fall that left her looking like she had “gone five rounds with Mike Tyson”.
The TV star enjoyed socialising and getting out at least twice a week, as it helped her “stay positive”. As a result, she didn’t like discussing wills and finances, forcing herself to think about the end of her life. She hated to think about her “affairs”, which implied “it’s final”.
Instead, she liked to spend every Christmas and New Year thinking she’ll make it to the next. But sadly she admitted she’s consumed by worries that this could be her last Christmas. “I’m still here and enjoying life. But we have to pray I keep going. I mean, I am not scared of dying. I’m sad that it’s going to happen.”
Read more: Strictly star Amy Dowden handed warning by Linda Nolan as singer returns to hospital
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