Late Irish singer Linda Nolan made Blackpool her home after her band was formed in the city in the 1970s. She passed away on Wednesday – and the city has since paid a touching tribute to her

Linda Nolan passed away on Wednesday after battling cancer for years(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hearst)

Blackpool Tower turned pink on Wednesday night in tribute to late singer Linda Nolan.

The entertainment world was saddened on Wednesday when it was revealed the singer had passed away at the age of 65 following a long battle against cancer. Linda passed away with her famous sisters at her side and reports revealed that her final hours were said to have been full of “love and comfort”.

While the chart singer was born in Dublin, Ireland, she found fame along with her sisters when they formed their band, The Nolans, in Blackpool in 1974. Linda went on to settle in the English city – and it was here that she passed away.

On Wednesday night, the Northern city paid tribute to the singer by turning the iconic Blackpool Tower pink in her honour. The 518ft structure was illuminated after sun down – with a pink heart added near the base.

Blackpool Tower lit up in pink in honour of Linda(Image: Dave Nelson)

Visit Blackpool highlighted the touching tribute, sharing a photo of the tower lit up via social media. An accompanying statement read: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of showbiz legend, Linda Nolan, who sadly passed away earlier today.

“This evening, The Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in pink as mark of respect. Rest in peace Linda, you will always be a shining star.”

The gesture was received warmly by fans who rushed to comment on the post – with one writing: “What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady! Linda was an inspiration to many! Back in the arms of her husband and Bernie xx love to all her family.”

Another fan typed: “Well done Blackpool Thinking of Linda’s family, friends and fans of Linda Nolan at this distressing time.” And a further social media user wrote: “Sorry to read of Linda’s passing. R.I.P. Linda .My condolences to rest of family and friends.”

In a statement released to the Mirror on Wednesday, agent Dermot McNamara, said: “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.

“She passed at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless.”

The statement continued: “She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments. 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. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”Tributes quickly emerged for the singer on social media, with her sister, Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, reposting her agent’s statement with a heartbroken emoji. On the ITV show today, the panel paid an emotional tribute to Coleen’s loss with host Christine Lampard saying: “Some very sad news for you now. Linda Nolan, Coleen’s sister, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017 has died at the age of 65.”