Linda Nolan made the heartbreaking admission before her death that her last wish was to see in one more Christmas.

The Irish singer and television star died today aged 65 after living with cancer on and off for 20 years.

Speaking to The Mirror in December, she said she was grateful to make it to Christmas and to spend time with her sisters.

Linda admitted she was scared Christmas 2024 would be her last one and said her wish was to ‘keep breathing and see another one’. 

She added that her hope for 2025 was ‘to not die, obviously,’ saying she wanted to ‘be here with my family’.

The singer said she thought her 60th birthday would be her last, but had lived on for another five years and desperately wanted to keep living.  

Along with her sisters Anne, Coleen, Denise, Bernie and her mother Maureen, she rose to fame as part of The Nolans in the 1970s.

The girl group sold more than 30 million records from their hits including I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

The star was first diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2005 before getting the all-clear in 2006 – but in 2017 she was diagnosed with a form of incurable secondary cancer in her hip, which spread to her liver in 2020.

Linda Nolan died on Wednesday with her famous sisters including Coleen by her side (pictured in 2017)

 The star passed away following a 20-year battle with breast cancer (pictured in 2020)

Linda was born as the sixth of eight children to Tommy and Maureen Nolan on February 23 1959 in Dublin

The Blackpool Tower lit up pink tonight, in tribute to Linda Nolan who died today

Three years later she shared the news that the cancer had spread to her brain, with two tumours discovered on the left side which left her struggling with her speech and balance.

And she issued an update last August that the tumours – which were thought to be stable – had grown.

The singer added: ‘I thought my 60th birthday would be my last, but I’m still here, five years later. It’s easy to sit back and get depressed about it, but I’m still going. My hope for 2025? To not die, obviously. I just want to be here with my family.’

This evening, the Blackpool Tower lit up in pink in a tribute to Linda Nolan. The 518ft structure was illuminated with a pink heart added near the base.

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The Nolan sisters have a history of cancer, with herself, Coleen and Anne all receiving diagnoses as well as Bernie passing away from the disease. 

Her sister Anne was the first to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, and while she got the all-clear, she was diagnoses again in April 2020.

Just days later Linda was told her secondary breast cancer had spread to her liver, so the sisters decided to undergo their chemotherapy together.

The sisters went on to write Stronger Together, an account of their journey with cancer with no-holds-barred descriptions of their treatments, the side effects, how they coped with losing their hair and how they had emerged on the other side.

The book is interspersed with recollections of how cancer has affected those close to them, including their late sister Bernie and also Linda’s late husband, Brian.

In 2013 the family were devastated when their sister Bernadette, better known as Bernie, died from breast cancer in 2013.

She died today in Blackpool Victoria Hospital at the age of 65 

Linda left the group which made her famous in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances (Linda is pictured top with her sisters in 1975) 

The singer was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2005, getting an all-clear in 2006

Bernie was first diagnosed with the disease in April 2010, and while she was later declared cancer-free following a mastectomy, in October 2012 it was revealed the disease had returned to her left breast, brain, lungs, liver and bones.

She passed away in July of the following year at the age of 52.

Linda was born as the sixth of eight children to Tommy and Maureen Nolan on February 23 1959 in Dublin.

Her parents – both singers – were keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe and Linda made her stage debut at the age of four.

Their relentless efforts, which often led to late-night performances on school nights, soon steered the girls to international success.

Among their chart hits were Gotta Pull Myself Together, Don’t Make Waves and Attention To Me, and they earned their own BBC TV specials.

In the statement announcing her death, her agent Dermot wrote: ‘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.

‘As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide; touring the world and selling over 30 million records, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me and the iconic disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing.

Linda (pictured in 2022) was born as the sixth of eight children to Tommy and Maureen Nolan

Linda is pictured with her sister Bernie, who died from breast cancer in 2013

The singer’s death was revealed in a statement released by her agent who revealed she had been diagnosed with double pneumonia(Linda pictured in 1984)

‘Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.

‘Beyond her incredible career, Linda dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others.

‘Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy.

‘Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family.

‘At around 10:20am on Wednesday 15th January, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65.

‘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.

‘Her family kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time, while they and Linda’s friends grieve the loss of an extraordinary woman. Details of a celebration of Linda’s remarkable life will be shared in due course.

‘Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.’