Linda Nolan’s Final Months in Blackpool
Linda Nolan, beloved entertainer and member of the iconic Nolan Sisters, spent her final months in a modest semi-detached home in Blackpool.
The 65-year-old singer passed away last week after battling double pneumonia, which led to her hospitalization and subsequent death.
Linda had lived in Blackpool for several years, even before her health began to decline.
She originally lived independently on the same street, fighting breast cancer.
As her condition worsened, she moved in with her sister Denise for more support, only leaving briefly for specialized care in the final days before her death.
Tributes from Neighbors and Locals
Linda was a cherished figure in the Blackpool community, and neighbors were quick to share their memories of the star.
One neighbor described her as “an absolute angel” and noted that although Linda didn’t have the fortune of Hollywood stars, she was a “huge star” in their eyes.
Others remembered her as a “sweet lady” with a smile for everyone.
A neighbor also reflected on how Linda represented a simpler, more innocent time in entertainment, when pop stars like the Nolans were known for their wholesome image.
A touching tribute was paid by the town of Blackpool when the iconic Blackpool Tower was bathed in pink light in honor of Linda’s memory.
The Rise of the Nolans
The Nolan Sisters’ journey began in the 1970s when the family, originally from Dublin, moved to Blackpool.
Their big break came when an agent discovered them at a performance in Blackpool in 1973.
The sisters quickly rose to fame, recording hits and even releasing a single about Blackpool’s football team.
Their catchy pop songs earned them a loyal fanbase, and they became a household name in the UK.
Linda, the youngest member of the group, was known for her rebellious streak, earning the nickname “the naughty Nolan” in her younger days.
Despite the success, the Nolans faced their share of financial struggles, with Linda later revealing that she felt exploited by record labels who paid them meager salaries compared to their success.
A Tumultuous Personal Life
Linda’s career was not without its challenges.
She faced financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy in 1995, a period marked by the theft of £20 from comedian Frank Carson by her then-husband.
The financial struggles were a result of what Linda described as exploitative contracts from record companies that paid the sisters poorly despite their huge success.
She later shared how her father took advantage of her in these early deals, leaving her with little to show for her hard work.
Her personal life was also marred by tragedy.
Linda’s family endured years of abuse at the hands of their father, Tommy Nolan.
Linda’s sisters, Anne and Coleen, have bravely shared their stories of the abuse they suffered, with Anne revealing in 2008 the sexual abuse she endured from their father.
Coleen, too, spoke of the violent and aggressive behavior of their father, which haunted the sisters for years.
The ‘Naughty Nolan’ Phase
In 1981, Linda married Brian Hudson, who would later manage the Nolans.
It was through her relationship with him that she made the decision to leave the group in 1983, which caused tension among the sisters.
During this time, Linda reinvented herself with a more provocative image, moving away from the clean-cut persona of her earlier years in the group.
It was during this phase that Linda earned the “naughty” reputation.
While Linda’s solo career never reached the same heights as her group success, she did find some success in her own right.
However, financial troubles continued to follow her, with Linda admitting she once relied on a £2,000 loan from her sister Coleen and her husband Shane Richie just to get by.
Financial Hardships and Health Struggles
Linda’s financial struggles took a toll on her later in life. She and her husband were declared bankrupt in 1995, and she admitted that at one point they had accumulated £7,500 in debts.
Despite some financial recovery through theater work in the 2000s, Linda faced another setback when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
Her health battles didn’t end there.
In 2017, Linda was diagnosed with incurable secondary cancer that spread to her hip and liver.
In 2020, the cancer spread to her brain, leaving her with speech and balance issues. Throughout this time, Linda continued to work, even during chemotherapy, as she had no savings to fall back on.
A Final Career Chapter and Personal Reflections
Linda was open about her financial struggles and health challenges, even sharing her experiences in a column for The Daily Mirror.
In her final column, she wrote about the toll her illness had taken on her body, reflecting on her struggles with balance and breathlessness.
Her career also saw a brief return to television in 2014 when she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother to raise money.
Despite the hardship, Linda remained a beloved figure, and her sisters—who also battled cancer—continued to support her. In 2020, the Nolans reunited for a television series,
The Nolans Go Cruising, where they took a trip through the Mediterranean, showcasing the bond they shared despite everything they had been through.
Linda’s passing marks the end of an era for the Nolans,
but her legacy as a beloved entertainer, a fighter, and a sister will live on in the hearts of her fans and family.
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