- Music
- 15 Jan 25
"A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten," her group, The Nolans, have stated.
Tributes are pouring in from across the music community and beyond this afternoon, following news of the passing of Irish pop legend Linda Nolan, aged 65.
The Nolans – the family singing group Linda rose to fame with – confirmed the news on social media, noting that the singer "faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions."
"Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully," the post continues. "A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten."
The Nolans are considered one of the most successful girl groups of all time – and were reportedly the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide.
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
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In a statement, Linda's manager Dermot McNamara revealed that, over the weekend, she was "was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family."
Linda's legacy continues to influence the Irish pop landscape – with CMAT often discussing her love for the singer in interviews.
Dublin singer Mary Byrne, who rose to prominence on The X Factor, has shared a tribute to Linda, stating that she is "devastated by the loss" of her "dear friend".
"She was such a warm, funny, and utterly amazing person," her online post reads. "We shared so many laughs on tours across the UK and Ireland, where we became close friends and made wonderful memories.
"Rest now, Linda. The world feels far less interesting without you in it. Thank you for everything."
Singer and entertainer Shane Nolan – the son of Linda's sister and bandmate Coleen – has also taken to social media, stating that he "got to spend a few hours" with his aunt yesterday, which he is "very grateful for".