The Nolan Sisters have endured family heartbreak in recent years, with the loss of both Bernie and Linda Nolan, alongside fellow sister Anne's own battle with cancer.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Linda had died after being rushed to hospital the day before after contracting double pneumonia. A statement from the singer's manager, Dermot McNamara, confirmed that Linda was surrounded by her siblings when she passed away. Linda's death came two years after the star confirmed that her cancer had spread into her brain.
Here's everything we know about the close-knit family's health battles.
Bernie Nolan
Second youngest sister Bernie Nolan passed away from cancer in 2013. The late star was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2010. She passed away in her sleep on 4 July 2013 aged 52.
A statement from the Nolans' spokesman said at the time: "Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable. They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time."
Following chemotherapy and breast reconstruction, the mother-of-one thought she had beaten the disease, announcing in February 2012 that she was free of cancer. Tragically, that summer the Dublin-born star was told that her cancer had returned to her left breast, brain, lungs, liver and bones.
When she was given the devastating news that her cancer had returned, the performer told HELLO!: "There's no point dwelling on it. I've got to fight it, be positive and get on with it."
Linda Nolan
Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and underwent a single mastectomy as part of her treatment. She got the all-clear in 2007 but was then diagnosed with cellulitis and lymphedema in her arm. Linda, 65, then discovered she was suffering from secondary cancer in her pelvis in 2017.
In March 2020, Linda was told that her cancer had affected her liver so underwent chemotherapy until September of that year. In 2023, the star appeared on Good Morning Britain where she revealed that the cancer had spread to her brain, however, in separate updates, she was optimistic about future treatments.
On 14 January 2025, Linda was taken to hospital after she contracted double pneumonia. The singer slipped into a coma and started receiving end-of-life care. She died the following morning with her family around her.
Anne Nolan
© ITV/REX/ShutterstockAnne was the first Nolan sister to battle the disease and was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. The star, 74, was then diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in April 2020, while Linda found out she had incurable liver cancer just a few days later.
The famous sisters were given their diagnosis just days after they finished filming The Nolans Go Cruising. "I don't want to die. I love my life so much. I love my daughters, my grandchildren, my friends, all my family. I want to live for as long as I possibly can," Anne told The Sun.
In September 2022, it was confirmed that Anne was cancer-free for the second time. However, speaking to the Irish Mirror, Anne confirmed she was concerned that the illness could return in the future.
BRCA 1 or 2 gene
The Nolan sisters have been tested for the BRCA 1 or 2 gene to determine whether they have a genetic predisposition to cancer, but the results were negative.
According to the NHS, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of genes that raise your cancer risk if they become altered. Having a variant BRCA gene increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer.
You are eligible for the NHS test if there is a strong family history of cancer or one of your relatives has been identified as having the gene.
Linda previously told the Yorkshire Post: "I do feel we've had bad luck that the three of us have got it. We don't have the BRCA 1 or 2 gene, we've been tested for that. It could be a rogue gene from our dad's side."
What has Coleen Nolan said about her sisters' cancer battles?
Coleen has been open about the struggles of dealing with her siblings' illnesses and the impact it's had on their family. The TV personality previously admitted she considered undergoing a mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
"Seeing what Anne and Linda are going through has made me think a lot about having a mastectomy," she confessed to The Mirror. "I’ve been lying in bed at night, looking down at my breasts and thinking, 'Am I just walking around with two timebombs here?' If that's a possibility, maybe I need to get rid of them."
Coleen has had her own cancer experience and in 2023, the Loose Women star revealed on the show that she had been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer. Following visits to her dermatologist, Coleen underwent a treatment plan that contained chemotherapy gel and the star was given an all-clear.
For further guidance and support, visit Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support.
