LINDA Nolan’s heartbroken sister has revealed her cause of d3ath was not cancer in an emotional statement.

Sister Maureen paid tribute to the late star on Instagram and revealed Linda had contracted an illness over the Christmas period.

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Linda’s sister Maureen has revealed the star contracted an illness over Christmas and New YearCredit: Instagram

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The singer passed away on WednesdayCredit: Getty

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Linda had been a member of girl group The Nolans with her four sistersCredit: PA
She wrote: “Our beautiful @thelindanolan 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 [heartbroken emojis].

“I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, she didn’t the big C didn’t actually get her.

“She contracted 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 yrs with one cancer or another, and so can you.”

The singer and TV personality passed away on Wednesday with her famous sisters at her side – and her final hours were said to have been full of “love and comfort”.

Tributes have poured in for the star, including from her sister and Loose Women regular Coleen Nolan.

In a post on X, she said: “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.”

A statement released by her agent, Dermot McNamara, said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guiinness 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.

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The Nolan sisters had three UK top-10 singles and two top-10 albums togetherCredit: PA

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Linda Nolan with her husband Brian Hudson in 1981Credit: PA

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The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005Credit: Dan Charity
“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.”

Coleen’s fellow ITV co-stars took a moment to share a touching tribute to the popular singer during Wednesday’s Loose Women episode.

Panellist Christine Lampard said: “Some very sad news for you now, Linda Nolan – Coleen’s sister was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, has di3d at the age of 65.”

Christine then read out the statement.

She went on to say: “We’ve been talking about Linda for so long with Coleen and I know it was an incredibly tough time for the family, but you’re just never prepared.”

Linda made the heartbreaking confession that she was “terrified of d3ath” just three weeks before she passed away.

In an interview before Christmas, Linda said: “What scares me the most? Dying.

“I am sad that it is going to happen.”

Comedian Tommy Cannon has also paid tribute, sharing a photo of a gig poster which featured his double act Cannon and Ball, with Bobby Ball, alongside The Nolans.

The 86-year-old wrote in an Instagram post: “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan.

“I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love.

“My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”

Also paying tribute was radio and TV presenter Terry Christian, who said in a post on X: “RIP Linda Nolan. Met most of the Nolan sisters back in day – all fantastic women.”

Amid her worry for what was to come, Linda confessed to OK Magazine that she had to just “let it happen” and “make time with the people that you love”.

CANCER STRUGGLES

Last month, Linda also revealed a severe fall left her with injuries as she faced ongoing chemo.

Linda, who had been battling this bout of cancer since 2017, fell in October suffering injuries including knocking some of her teeth out.

The star also opened up about how she worried that her 60th birthday could be her last, but that she was “still here” five years later.

She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2005 and given the all-clear the next year.

But in March 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which was identified after it spread to her hip, following a fall.

Heartbreakingly, the 65-year-old last year revealed her cancer had spread to her brain.

An unearthed video from Loose Women in 2017 revealed the star’s biggest regret before her d3ath.

In the video she said: “I think when you are facing a future with cancer you do look back on your life and think have I made the right decisions, have I done as much as I can do.

“I think me not having children is nobody’s fault but my own.

“I just let my career get in the way.

“When I thought about it, it was a little bit too late really and it’s my only regret in life actually.”

Linda had been married to her husband Brian for 26 years before he passed away from cancer in 2007 and it took her nearly a decade to feel ready to look for love again.

In the emotional video, Linda continued: “I’ve had a love in my life that… some people don’t ever have that in their lives.

“Brian and I were married for 26 years and I was diagnosed with complex grief because we were together for 26 years, 24/7 and that’s why I missed him so much.”

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Linda performing with her sister Maureen in 2009Credit: Getty

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Maureen paid tribute to her sister in an Instagram post featuring images of the pair over the yearsCredit: Instagram