Coleen Nolan, the beloved Loose Women panellist, recently opened up about her emotional journey as she celebrated her 60th birthday on March 12, 2025. Reflecting on both joy and sadness, Coleen described the milestone as an "absolute blessing to still be here," particularly amidst the profound loss of her sisters, Linda and Bernie.
During her birthday celebrations on March 10, 2025, Coleen admitted to shedding tears as the memories of her sisters washed over her. She expressed her gratitude for life, saying, "Everything I’ve been through recently, I’m just happy to wake up every day, and on days when I do feel a bit down, I think, my two sisters would love to be here feeling down or stressed or whatever." For Coleen, reaching this age is not just a personal milestone but a testament to resilience in the face of family tragedies and personal struggles.
Coleen's reflection on her sisters highlights the deep bond they shared. Linda passed away peacefully at the age of 65 in January 2025 after a long battle with cancer, a heartbreaking event that left Coleen grappling with grief. Her sister Bernie had also succumbed to breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52. "It was quite shocking. And it’s just a massive loss in our family," Coleen said regarding Linda's death. The memories of their shared past and the music they created together as part of family pop group The Nolans continue to resonate with her.
As she navigated her 50s, Coleen faced significant personal challenges, including the collapse of her second marriage and the emotional strains of menopause alongside her children growing up and leaving home. These trying times led her to feel lost and uncertain about her future. "I was going through the menopause. My kids were at an age where they were fleeing the nest, and everything just felt a bit, ‘I don’t know what to do with myself now’,” she stated. Yet, as she reflects on her journey, she now feels that the difficulty of her 50s has allowed her to emerge stronger. "But now I’ve come through it and I’m living my best life.”
In addition to the emotional revelations about her sisters and personal life, Coleen also shared heartwarming memories from her childhood on the Saving Grace podcast, reminiscing about growing up in a large family of eight siblings. "My parents didn’t really have any money, but Christmases were always so special," she recalled, highlighting the sacrifices her mother made. She revealed that her mother once pawned her engagement and wedding rings to buy presents for her children during Christmas, a meaningful gesture that left a lasting impression on Coleen. Despite the financial struggles, those holidays were filled with magic and joy, cementing a sense of family that has persisted into her adult life.
On a recent episode of Loose Women, she further drew attention to another life-altering moment— a narrow escape her family had from a car accident. While traveling in a people carrier following a holiday, the car was nearly struck when another vehicle lost control. Coleen praised her son Shane for his exceptional driving, managing to swerve just in time to avoid catastrophe. “We stopped literally about three inches from the lorry and avoided an accident,” she praised. The incident reinforced her gratitude for life and family, further underscoring why she feels fortunate to have reached the age of 60.
The warmth and love within her family was also palpable during Linda’s funeral, held in their hometown of Blackpool. Coleen described the send-off as a celebration of Linda’s vibrant life, noting how their mother’s spirit permeated the event, making it not just a time of mourning but also of joy and remembrance. “It was actually a beautiful day, a beautiful send-off for her. I felt like we were celebrating her life more than her death, really. The life that she lived.” This mixed emotion of joy and sorrow characterizes Coleen's journey as she continues to navigate life without her sisters.
Despite the sorrow, Coleen finds strength in the outpouring of support from fans and the emotional connections that have been fostered through this challenging journey. As she reiterated, the love and memories shared with her sisters motivate her to persist and cherish every moment of her life. Now, as she moves forward into her 60s, Coleen commits to embracing whatever comes next while honoring the legacies of her sisters.
As she continues to grow and evolve, Coleen Nolan demonstrates resilience in adversity and a profound appreciation for life. Whether reminiscing about cherished memories or navigating the complexities of her family history, Coleen’s story resonates as not just a tale of loss, but a narrative of hope and gratitude.
