Linda Nolan’s family, loved ones and celebrity friends will pay tribute to the beloved star at her funeral in Blackpool today

Anne Nolan has called on fans and the people of Blackpool to come together as they say their final goodbyes to her sister Linda Nolan today (Saturday, February 1).

Dublin-born singer Linda sadly passed away in hospital on January 15 at the age of 65, surrounded by her loving family, following a brave twenty-year battle with cancer.

A memorial service is set to be held for Linda at St Paul’s Church in Blackpool at 10:30am, a venue close to the family’s heart as it’s where Linda was married and also where she bid farewell to her late husband Brian Hudson.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast through a pre-recorded tribute on Saturday, Anne shared fond memories of her late sister and her impressive accomplishments. She also had a special message for those wishing to attend today’s service, saying: “Everyone is welcome.”

She continued with an emotional appeal: “Please be there if you can, if you can make it. She would have loved to have seen as many people as possible,” reports the Express.

Anne Nolan wiped away tears in an emotional tribute to her sister Linda ( 
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(Image: BBC))
The family, including Linda’s famous siblings, have been profoundly touched by the outpouring of support and affection following news of Linda’s passing. An overwhelmed Anne remarked on the kindness they had received: “It’s been amazing everyone’s been phoning and sending cards and that’s how it’s been. Everybody’s been amazing.”

The Nolans’ gratitude extended to a heartfelt mention of Blackpool Tower being illuminated in pink in Linda’s memory, with Anne noting: “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 also opened up about the emotional choice of location for Linda’s funeral, noting its deep personal resonance being the same church where Linda and her late husband Brian had their wedding in 1981.

Amidst the same heartfelt tribute interview, Anne tearfully reflected: “Yes they were married in that church and then when Brian passed away, Linda had his funeral there as well,” the songstress was visibly moved by the memory as she wiped away tears.

Linda sadly passed away in January aged 65 ( 
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(Image: Getty))
Linda first met Brian in 1979, and just two years later, they exchanged vows. Serving as the Nolans’ tour manager until 1983, Brian continued to support Linda even after she left the group, taking on the role of her manager and supporting her solo career.

The couple enjoyed a blissful marriage lasting 26 years, until tragedy struck with Brian’s death on 21 September 2007. He sadly passed away at the age of 60 to liver failure and skin cancer.

Anne recalls, the pair were virtually inseparable to the very end. Before Brian’s death, Linda faced her own daunting health battle, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She bravely underwent a mastectomy in 2006 as part of her treatment.

Reflecting on those difficult times in a past interview with the Mirror, Linda candidly shared how Brian had been her rock during her cancer fight.

She emotionally recalled: “I always think if he was here, he’d sort it. When I had cancer in 2006, I’d wake up in the night feeling rubbish and he’d rub my back, giving me what I needed. I miss him every day. I had depression when I lost him and I still suffer now, but it’s under control.”