How Many Of The Nolan Sisters Have Died

So, you’re wondering about the Nolan Sisters, right? That famous Irish singing family who dominated the charts in the 70s and 80s. Maybe you heard a rumor and got curious—how many of the Nolan sisters have actually died?

Let’s break it down simply. Out of the seven Nolan siblings (the five sisters who performed, plus their two brothers), two sisters have passed away. That’s not a huge number, but it’s a big deal when you’ve grown up with their voices on the radio.

The Two Sisters We’ve Lost

The most recent loss is Linda Nolan, who died in January 2025 at age 65 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was the fun, bubbly one—the sister who always seemed to be smiling in those vintage TV clips.

Before Linda, there was Bernie Nolan, who died in 2013 at just 52. Bernie had a solo career too, and her passing felt like losing a family member for a lot of fans in the UK and Ireland. Both sisters fought their illnesses with incredible grace.

So, to answer the headline directly: two out of the five performing Nolan sisters have died. That leaves three still with us: Anne, Denise, and Maureen.

Wait, What About The Other Siblings?

You might be thinking, “Didn’t one of the brothers pass away too?” And you’d be right. Tommy Nolan, the older brother, died in 1998 at age 49 from a heart condition. He wasn’t a core member of the singing group, but he was a big part of the family story.

So in total, three Nolan siblings have passed away—two sisters and one brother. But when people ask about the sisters specifically, it’s just the two.

Why It’s Actually Pretty Cool (Hear Me Out)

Here’s the thing: the Nolan Sisters weren’t just a pop group—they were a dynasty, like the Kardashians of Irish showbands. They started as kids performing in their parents’ cabaret act, and by the time they hit the charts with “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” they were global.

Think about how many bands lose members over time. The Rolling Stones have buried drummers. The Beach Boys have a complicated family tree. But the Nolans? They’ve had five surviving sisters for most of their history, which is honestly remarkable for a family act that started in the 1960s.

It’s also interesting because their story shows how resilient they were. Linda and Bernie’s battles with cancer were very public, and they used their platform to raise awareness. That’s not just tragic—it’s powerful.

A Fun Comparison: The Nolans vs. Other Musical Families

Compare the Nolans to, say, the Jackson 5. Michael and Janet aside, the Jacksons had a lot of complicated history. The Nolans, on the other hand, kept things relatively close-knit, even when fame faded.

Or think of the von Trapp family from The Sound of Music. They had a huge group, but we don’t really track their deaths by “how many” because they weren’t a pop act. The Nolans are unique because they were both a family and a commercial brand.

So when you ask “how many have died,” you’re really asking about the fragility of a legacy. And the answer—two sisters, one brother—is actually pretty low for a family that’s been in the public eye for over 50 years.

What About The Living Sisters? Are They Still Singing?

Yes! Anne, Denise, and Maureen have kept the show going. In fact, after Linda’s passing, the remaining sisters announced they’d continue performing as a tribute. They’ve even done charity concerts and TV specials.

Maureen, the eldest, still lives in Ireland and occasionally pops up on reality shows. Denise has been in musical theater. Anne has written a book about the family’s journey. They’re not huge stars anymore, but they’re still here, which is more than you can say for many bands from that era.

The Bottom Line

So, to wrap it up in one neat sentence: Two of the five Nolan sisters have died, and the third sibling to pass was their brother Tommy. The remaining three sisters are alive, kicking, and occasionally still dancing.

It’s a sad fact, sure, but it’s also a testament to how strong the bond was. I mean, how many families can survive the loss of two key members and still call themselves a “group”? The Nolans can, and that’s kinda cool when you think about it.

Next time you hear “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” you’ll know exactly who’s still around. And hey, if you ever meet a Nolan sister, ask them about the old days—they’ve got stories that’ll make you laugh, cry, and probably want to put on a glittery dress.