Linda Nolan's sister Maureen has said she did not pass away from cancer as she expressed her family’s heartbreak at the singer’s death aged 65.
Linda, who rose to fame in family group The Nolans with sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, died on Wednesday surrounded by family after being admitted to hospital in Blackpool with pneumonia.
She had long been a campaigner and fundraiser for cancer awareness, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.
The Dublin-born star was given the all-clear in 2011, but in 2017 was told she had secondary breast cancer which later spread to her brain.
Maureen wrote on Instagram on Thursday: "Our beautiful (Linda) 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.
"I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, she didn't (let) the big C (cancer)... actually get her.
“She contacted 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 (years) with one cancer or another."
Her sisters Coleen and Anne paid tribute on Wednesday, where they spoke about Nolan's positive personality and good humour.
On Instagram, Anne said Nolan could find "humour in life's darkest corners" as she paid tribute, while Coleen agreed her "wit, humour and laughter was infectious", and described her as a "beacon of love, kindness, and strength".
Coleen added: "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."
On Wednesday, Blackpool tower was lit up in pink, which is the colour mainly associated with breast cancer awareness, in memory of Nolan.
Her manager Dermot McNamara confirmed Linda was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital over the weekend with double pneumonia, before going into a coma and having end-of-life care on Tuesday, and dying on Wednesday "with her loving siblings by her bedside".
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, which resulted in her having a mastectomy. She was given the all-clear in 2011.
In 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which was contained within her hip and pelvis.
In 2020, the cancer spread to her liver and three years later to her brain – with scans showing the tumours had shrunk in December 2023.
Nolan revealed she had started the cancer life-extending drug, called Enhertu, in August 2024, which she called “amazing”, and pushed for other people to have this “opportunity” to take the medication.
Her sister Anne, whom she joined on TV series The Nolans Go Cruising, was also diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2020 and is now cancer-free.
Coleen revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it. Their sister Bernie died of breast cancer in 2013 aged 52.
Outside of her showbiz career which included stints on Celebrity Big Brother along with musical theatre performances, she helped to raise more than £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.
The Nolans, known for recording the songs Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and I'm In The Mood For Dancing, toured with Frank Sinatra and made their own BBC TV specials.
Nolan left in 1983, and she later re-joined to do several comeback performances with the group.
She also went on to tour with Gene Pitney and was celebrated for her West End shows, including in Blood Brothers, Pump Boys And Dinettes and Prisoner Cell Block "H".
