Linda Nolan's selfless gesture for her sisters over her own funeral
Linda Nolan has died after a long battle with secondary breast cancer, with her famous sisters by her side.
TV personality and pop star Linda Nolan sadly passed away on Wednesday at the age of 65, following a long battle with breast cancer.
Linda was surrounded by her famous sisters in her final hours, which were filled with "love and comfort". Diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, Linda was devastated to learn it had spread in 2020.
To spare her family the painful task, the brave star insisted on planning her own funeral, reports the Mirror. In her 2018 autobiography, From My Heart, she wrote: "I want to get all my affairs 'in order', as they say. I've caused my family enough worry over the years and so I want everything I can decided now so they don't have to if I become very poorly."
Drawing inspiration from how her late husband Brian prepared for his funeral, Linda chose a Neil Sedaka tune, Our Last Song Together, for the service, saying "It's beautiful and by then it really will be our last song with my wonderful family".
She also selected the funeral directors. "Brian organised his funeral and it was amazing," she said. "Bernie arranged hers. It's easier for people left behind."
To spare her family the painful task, Linda insisted on planning her own funeral. (Image: TV Times via Getty Images)
For her coffin, Linda opted for one in pink glitter. "Brian's coffin was like a flight case, with 'This way up', 'Fragile' on it," Linda told the Mirror. "Our auntie had a beautiful coffin with pictures of us around it."
"Maureen said, 'Look at this coffin, it was made for you, it's pink glitter'," the star, once known as the "naughty Nolan", revealed. "Absolutely. I am the blingy Nolan."
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Linda discovered her cancer had returned 12 years after her initial diagnosis in 2005, when she fell down the stairs while babysitting her grand-nieces Ava, Sienna and Roma, feeling a crack in her hip.
Doctors found a mass, which they confirmed was cancerous. In a statement released today, agent Dermot McNamara announced: "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."
They added, "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."
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