Linda Nolan’s funeral confirmed to take place at church where she married beloved husband-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Linda Nolan’s funeral will take place at church where she married beloved husband (Picture: Pa/Instagram)

Linda Nolan’s funeral is taking place in a church that held a special significance to her.

Following her death aged 65 on January 15, her family have now shared that it will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Blackpool on the morning of February 1 at 10:30am.

Her family explained their choice, writing on Instagram: ‘St. Paul’s Church holds a deeply special place in Linda’s heart. It is where she married the love of her life, Brian Hudson, with whom she shared 26 wonderful years of marriage. Brian was Linda’s rock, her soulmate, and the love of her life, just as she was his.’

In 1979, Linda met Brian Hudson and married him in 1981. The pair remained married until Brian’s death from skin cancer in 2007 aged 60.

‘When Brian tragically passed away in 2007, Linda found the strength to carry on, but her love for him never wavered.

‘St. Paul’s was also where Linda said her final goodbye to Brian, holding his funeral in the same church where they had exchanged their vows. Now, Linda will return to this sacred place to be reunited with Brian once more, finally at peace and back in his loving embrace.’

Nolan and Hudson were married for 26 years (Picture: PA)

The Irish singer, who rose to fame at the age of 15 alongside her sisters in the group The Nolans, ‘passed peacefully’ a statement confirmed earlier this month.

Nolan’s ‘loving siblings [were] by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments.’ Linda is survived by sisters Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59.

While Nolan was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, Maureen has since confirmed this was not the cause of her death. ‘She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one battle too much,’ Maureen explained.

The church holds special significance (Picture: google/wiki commons)

The funeral details were shared on Instagram (Picture: Instagram/Linda Nolan)

The Nolan family have invited fans to join them outside the church on the day that they will mark her ‘extraordinary life’.

‘Everyone who knew Linda, or whose lives she touched, are welcome to come and pay their respects as we remember her remarkable life. Fans and public are welcome to gather outside the church for the funeral – and in true Linda spirit, the more, the merrier!’

They added: ‘Linda was a beacon of light, strength and unwavering love who inspired everyone she met, in addition to millions around the world. Her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, but her legacy will live on through the joy, hope and kindness she shared so freely.’

The message concluded: ‘Linda was more than a beloved sister, friend, and entertainer – she was a symbol of hope, humour and resilience.’

The Nolan family have shared that fans are welcome to gather outside the church (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hearst)

A private cremation will follow at a nearby crematorium. This part of the day will be attended by close family and friends only.

In honour of Nolan’s ‘compassionate and giving spirit’ the family wish to raise money for Trinity Hospice. Donations can be made here – messages of condolence, cherished memories and photos can also be shared on the page.

Nolan had made her funeral wishes clear before her death including a ‘blingy’ 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 shared.

Coleen has shared her sister’s funeral wishes (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

The Nolans were formed in Blackpool in 1974 by the sisters’ parents, Maureen and Tommy Nolan, and was initially composed of the parents, as well as seven of their eight children.

Their biggest hit was 1979’s I’m In The Mood For Dancing but they were also known for chart-toppers like Gotta Pull Myself Together, Who’s Gonna Rock You, Attention to Me, and Chemistry.

The Nolans scored seven UK top 20 hits in total and built an enormous international following – particularly in Japan. They even toured with Frank Sinatra in the 70s.

Linda left the group in 1983 to pursue a solo career and found additional success in musical theatre.

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