Sister-group singer Bernie Nolan dies at 52

[July 05, 2013]  LONDON (AP) -- Bernadette Nolan, a member of singing sister act The Nolans, has died of cancer aged 52.

The singer's management agency, Urban Associates, said in a statement that Nolan died Thursday surrounded by her family.

Universally known as Bernie, Nolan was raised in Blackpool, northwestern England, and began performing with her family when she was a child.

The Nolans had a worldwide hit in 1979 with "I'm In the Mood For Dancing" and gained large followings from Britain to Japan.

Nolan left in 1994 to focus on an acting career that included a role on soap opera "Brookside" and parts in stage musicals including "Blood Brothers" and "Chicago."

In 2010 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which later spread.

Nolan is survived by her husband, Steve Doneathy, and their daughter, Erin.

[Associated Press]

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