As the Nolan family prepares to bid farewell to their cherished Linda today (Saturday February 1st), her sister Anne has extended a moving invitation to fans and the Blackpool community.
Chart-topper Linda Nolan, born in Dublin, passed away on 15 January at 65-years-old, surrounded by her family in hospital, after a brave 20-year battle with cancer.
St Paul’s Church in Blackpool will host Linda’s memorial service, where she both exchanged vows and later mourned her husband Brian Hudson.
Linda’s sister Anne appeared on BBC Breakfast in a pre-recorded tribute aired this Saturday, celebrating her late sister’s life and legacy; she also had a heartfelt request for those planning to attend her funeral as she disclosed: “Everyone is welcome.”
“Please be there if you can, if you can make it. She would have loved to have seen as many people as possible,” Anne implored on behalf of Linda, reports the Express.
The family, renowned for their hit-making musical career, has felt an outpouring of support since announcing Linda’s passing. Anne remarked: “It’s been amazing everyone’s been phoning and sending cards and that’s how it’s been. Everybody’s been amazing.”
“We’re so grateful. I mean they lit up the tower [Blackpool Tower] when she passed away, the tower was lit up in pink. I think she would have been thrilled if she knew what was happening.”
Anne reflected on the profound significance of the chosen location for Linda’s funeral, remembering how it was the very church where Linda and her late husband Brian had exchanged their wedding vows back in 1981.
During the heartfelt tribute interview, Anne revealed: “Yes they were married in that church and then when Brian passed away, Linda had his funeral there as well,” while fighting back tears.
Linda first met Brian in 1979, and a swift romance led to marriage just two years later. He played a significant role in The Nolans’ success story, serving as their tour manager until 1983 before taking on the management of Linda’s solo endeavors following her departure from the group.
The couple enjoyed an enduring and loving marriage that lasted 26 years until tragedy struck on 21 September 2007 with Brian’s untimely death at age 60, due to liver failure and skin cancer, leaving Linda and him inseparable until his very last day.
BBC Breakfast airs every day from 6am, on BBC One.