Coleen Nolan is facing what is expected to be an emotionally challenging milestone birthday. 

As she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday on March 12, the Loose Women star is dealing with the heartbreaking absence of her beloved sister,

Linda Nolan, who passed away just eight weeks ago. Linda, aged 65, tragically lost her battle with breast cancer on January 15,

2025, following a long 20-year struggle with the illness, compounded by double pneumonia.

Though Coleen will mark the special occasion with a family celebration, it will be bittersweet for her, as the deep grief from losing Linda still weighs heavily on her heart.

A source close to Coleen shared that, while she is trying to remain strong for her loved ones, the loss of her sister remains very much present in her thoughts.

“Coleen is still very, very sad about losing Linda, so it’s a very bittersweet moment. It’s heartbreaking that Linda won’t be there,” the insider revealed.

Linda’s passing has left a significant void in Coleen’s life. The two sisters shared a deep bond, which was evident in the heartfelt tributes Coleen has posted in the weeks following Linda’s death. Last month, on what would have been Linda’s 66th birthday, Coleen shared an emotional video on social media showing the sisters dancing together at a party. The video, full of joy and laughter, captured a moment of happiness that Coleen cherishes deeply. She captioned the post, “To my beautiful sister… think of you every day, but especially today on your birthday. I miss you so much and life won’t be the same without you in it.”

The emotional tribute was just one of many signs of the close relationship the sisters shared. Coleen has been open about her grief, acknowledging that Linda’s death has left a void that is impossible to fill. As her birthday approaches, the milestone will no doubt be a time for reflection and sadness, especially as it will be the first without her sister by her side.

Coleen’s friends and family rallied around her during Linda’s funeral, which took place on February 1, 2025, in Blackpool. The funeral was an emotional occasion, attended by loved ones, including Coleen’s sisters Maureen, Anne, and Denise, as well as her sons, Shane Jr. and Jake. The two men were among the pallbearers, carrying Linda’s pink coffin through the church to her final resting place.

During the funeral, Coleen was visibly overcome with emotion, wiping away tears as she arrived at St. Paul’s Church. Dressed in a black dress with a black furry jacket, she kept her head down as she walked past mourners, clearly moved by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike. Denise Nolan delivered a moving eulogy for her sister, while Shane Richie, Coleen’s former husband, also attended to pay his respects. The ceremony was attended by several well-known figures from the entertainment industry, such as singer Lisa Matthew and Coronation Street star Jodie Prenger.

In a heartfelt statement, Coleen shared her thoughts about Linda’s final resting place. The sisters had decided that Linda’s ashes would be laid to rest alongside her late husband, Brian Hudson, who passed away in 2007. “My first thought after she died was to put Brian’s ashes with Linda’s,” Coleen explained. “In life, they were never apart, so I’m glad they’ll be together again.”

Despite the immense grief Coleen is experiencing, she is committed to putting on a brave face for her family and friends as she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday. The milestone will undoubtedly be filled with mixed emotions, as she reflects on her 60 years of life while mourning the loss of the sister she was so close to.

As Coleen steps into this new chapter of her life, it’s clear that her bond with Linda will always remain in her heart. Though the loss is still raw, she is finding strength in the love and memories they shared, and in the support of her family. This birthday, while marked with sadness, will also be a time for Coleen to honor her sister’s memory and celebrate the incredible life they had together.