BERNIE Nolan, the lead singer in family group The Nolans, died in 2013 after battling breast cancer.
On January 15, 2025, her sibling Linda passed away with family members by her side.
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Bernie’s sister, Linda, died at roughly 10.20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward.
Younger sister and Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, shared a heartfelt tribute to Linda on X.
Posting a black and white photo of the pair captioned with a broken heart, she shared: “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.”
Who was Bernie Nolan?
Bernadette “Bernie” Nolan was an Irish actress, singer, and television personality.
She was the original lead singer of the sisters’ group The Nolans.
Born on October 17, 1960, Bernie was the second youngest of sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Linda and Coleen.
She was brought up in Blackpool, Lancashire, from the age of two.
Loose Women’s tribute to Linda Nolan after star’s tragic death from cancer
Bernie built up an acting career, featuring in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside from 2000–2002, and the ITV police drama The Bill from 2002–2005.
When did Bernie Nolan die?
Bernie passed away at the age of 52 from breast cancer in 2013, three years after receiving her diagnosis.
Loose Women panelist and sister Coleen, says Bernie “wouldn’t accept” she was dying during her cancer battle.
The star told Piers Morgan: “Bernie would not accept any other scenario except she’s going to live.
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“Whatever they said, she was going to live. And I guess she convinced us of that as well.”
She added: “I’ll never ever forget her.
“And we talk about her as if she’s still here and it still does feel like she’s a massive part of our family because whatever we do, Bernie is mentioned.
“Sometimes sadly because everything we do we say, Bernie would love this.
“She was just so full of life and it was, it was… hard.”
Oldest sister Anne was the first to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000.
She was diagnosed again in 2020 and is now in remission.
Linda was diagnosed in 2005, with the cancer returning in 2017 before spreading to her brain.
Coleen was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face in 2023.
Who did Bernie Nolan date?
Bernie married drummer Steve Doneathy in 1996, in Lancashire and the couple lived together in Surrey.
The singer commented on how much she enjoyed living in the South Eastern county.
She told Great British Life: “It’s so beautiful round here.
“We do have such gorgeous places to walk – we’re often in Hurst Park making friends with other dogs, or walking along the river towpath by the Swan in Walton.
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“There’s always a pub nearby when we go for a walk!
“You really appreciate it when you’ve been away.”
Bernie had previously been in a relationship with actor and presenter Bradley Walsh.
Does Bernie Nolan have any children?
Bernie and Steve had a daughter, Kate, who was tragically stillborn in 1998.
She gave birth to a second daughter, Erin Kate Doneathy on April 26, 1999.
Erin was just 14 when mum Bernie passed away.
Coleen revealed how losing Bernie was “catastrophic” for the family.
She said: “She was the life and soul of our family. We all pulled each other through it.
“And then me and my sisters had this fantastic opportunity to do the cruising show.
“And literally within two or three weeks of it finishing, first Anne was diagnosed again and then literally four days later Linda.
“And it was just bam. It was really shocking.”
