Coleen Nolan Reveals Sister Linda’s Heartbreaking Final Words
The entertainment community is mourning the loss of Linda Nolan, who died last week at the age of 65 after a long struggle with breast cancer. The beloved Nolans singer passed away in the hospital, surrounded by her sisters Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59.
Coleen Nolan has confirmed that funeral arrangements are underway, honoring Linda’s wishes while adding her own personal touches. Despite following many of her sister’s requests, not all instructions will be strictly adhered to. The Loose Women star revealed that all sisters will wear black as per Linda’s wishes, but they will forgo the traditional ‘little lace veils’.
“She wanted everyone in black, wearing mantillas, those little lace veils that cover your face,” Coleen told The Mirror. “I remember saying, ‘You are joking, Linda! If I see all my sisters in mantillas, I’m going to laugh the whole way through the funeral!’”
Instead, the family has chosen to honor Linda’s vibrant personality with a glittery pink coffin. “Her coffin is pure showbiz – bright pink and sparkly, just as she wanted. The one thing my sister loved was bling – her trainers had bling on them, her handbags, her tops, her walking stick – so it feels right that she has a glittery pink coffin,” Coleen added.
Linda had selected her coffin in April 2023 after her cancer spread to her brain, referring to it as a “one-way trip.” She began planning her funeral as early as 2007, inspired by her late husband Brian Hudson’s own uniquely styled funeral. Her brother Bernie, who died on July 4, 2013, also arranged his funeral to ease the burden on the family, according to Linda.
The Nolans sisters rose to fame in the 1970s with their hit single “I’m In The Mood For Dancing” and a series of Top 20 UK songs. Their close-knit family was by Linda’s side during her final days, although Coleen was not present in the last hours.
Coleen shared heartfelt memories of her last day with Linda: “I’m holding on to the memory of the last day I spent with her in hospital, which was full of love and laughter. My daughter Ciara and I sat with her and we said everything we needed to say to each other.”
Despite battling double pneumonia and being on oxygen, Linda maintained her cheerful spirit, cracking jokes and sharing moments with her family. “Although she had double pneumonia and was on oxygen, she was cracking jokes, being her usual funny self and eating the chocolate people had brought her. She wanted to hear about my new grandson and I showed her lots of photos of him.”
Linda’s passing has left a profound void in her family and among her fans. Coleen reflected on their bond, saying, “We were absolute best friends. Anyone who knows us could tell you we were together every single day. My mom embodied everything soft and strong simultaneously.”
As the family prepares to honor Linda’s legacy, they will celebrate her life with a blend of tradition and her signature glitz. “When Maureen called the next morning to say Linda had died, I didn’t feel sad that I wasn’t there when she took her last breath because we’d got to spend that precious day together and I’m grateful for that,” Coleen shared. Linda Nolan’s legacy as a cherished sister and talented singer will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many.