Linda Nolan asked 'is this it' in heartbreaking final column before she died aged 65
Tributes have flooded in after Linda Nolan died aged 65 after a long battle with cancer. The pop star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was given the all-clear in 2011. But in 2017, Linda was told the disease had returned after tumours were found in her hip bone and pelvis.
The singer refused to be beaten by her diagnosis and continued to raise awareness of life with cancer in her column with our sister paper, Mirror Online. Linda released her final column last week as she revealed she had suffered a loss of appetite over Christmas.
She said: "I hadn’t eaten for 11 days – what a Christmas! A complete wipe out. Everyone’s been so worried. The girls have been bringing me energy drinks and that’s all I’ve been able to get down.
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"The doctors say it’s been a bad case of flu. I became so weak I’d walk a few steps and struggle to catch my breath. My legs were even more wobbly than usual and of course although I try not to, I immediately thought of how Bernie was at the end. You think, Oh my God, is this it?
"On New Year’s Eve Denise was so worried she got me checked out at the hospital and they gave me steroids on top of antibiotics. They sent me back home to rest and she was then reassured enough to go to Coleen’s New Year’s party as my friend Sue and her husband Graham came round to stay."
Linda revealed her condition improved as she explained: "It was only on Monday I felt well enough to venture out. It feels like a whole new world out there. There’s nothing like the sensation of starting to feel better after an illness. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel normal (well, I say normal…).
"We went round to our brother Brian’s for his wife Annie’s cakes and chat afternoon which has now become a monthly staple for us all. She bakes scones, and a cake – coffee and walnut this time. I told her no one likes a show off. I ate a whole half a scone. Jam and cream too.
"It was so good to get out and chat – or listen, rather, which I know sounds unlikely but I’m suffering from the worst dry mouth so gossiping’s restricted. I think that’s a chemo side-effect rather than the flu. Despite all the rubbish, I feel so grateful to be getting well again."
Linda's health took a downturn over the past week as her sisters were called to her bedside yesterday as made the decision to place her in end-of-life care. Linda's agent issued a statement with our sister site, Mirror Online, today to reveal she had died.
Dermot McNamara, in a statement shared with our sister site said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist."
"She passed at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable."
The statement continued: "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."
Loose Women star Coleen issued a statement to pay tribute to her sister's incredible legacy. She said: "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."