Born on November 12, 1950, Anne Nolan is an acclaimed Irish singer, songwriter, and author, celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the music industry. As a prominent member of the beloved group, The Nolans, Anne has captivated audiences worldwide with her melodious voice and heartfelt performances.

Can you do describe your life as one of The Nolans?

It was amazing, but frustrating at times. The amazing side was living and working with my sisters doing something I loved, travelling all over the world and meeting people from all walks of life, including some of my idols. The frustrating part was never being recognised as an individual.

The Nolans sold over 50 million records with 13 million in Japan alone! Can you tell us some of your favourite highlights?

We have done some amazing things in our career, but one of the best things we ever did was being the opening act for Frank Sinatra on his European Tour in 1975. We were already massive Sinatra fans so to meet him and work with him was just a dream come true! We also had a wonderful night when we were working at The Blue Note Jazz Club in Tokyo, Stevie Wonder had his last night party of his tour there and we were invited, so met Stevie and he sat at the piano and played and sang all his hits for us for over an hour. It was magical.

You’ve had Cancer twice throughout your life, how did your diagnosis impact your emotional well-being and mental health?

My first cancer in 2000 wasn’t as bad as my second diagnosis because I had all my family and friends for support, and I didn’t quite know what to expect. Sometimes ignorance is bliss! I spent a week in hospital, and had visitors every day. When I was well, which wasn’t very often, I could go out for drives in the country, visit friends and family. Whereas the second one in 2020 was during the Pandemic. I felt very alone at times. I spent a week in hospital, but wasn’t allowed visitors, and even when I came out of hospital, I was only allowed to see my daughters and grandchildren. I suffered anxiety during that period. Anyone who’s had any kind of trauma during that time will know what I mean.

What coping strategies did you find most effective in dealing with the physical and emotional toll?

I had cancer counseling which really helped a lot. My sister Maureen moved in with me and did everything for me. She was really there for me, and I’ll be forever grateful. I followed my Oncologist’s and cancer nurses’ advice to the letter. I spoke to family and friends about things that were bothering me, as well as people going through the same things as me, especially my sister Linda, who was having chemotherapy at the same time as me. We were allowed to have it together, which was a great help to both of us. There were times when I didn’t want to think about it at all so to take my mind off it, I read a lot, listened to music binge watched Netflix and prayed.

What message would you give to our readers that have had a cancer diagnoses or are going through treatment?

Take every day one at a time. Listen to your doctors and nurses, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and tell your loved ones how you feel as it is very difficult for them to know how to treat you. Do what’s best for you, whatever it is.

You’ve written two autobiographies, which must have been an emotional experience. Tell us about this?

The first book “Annes Song” wasn’t difficult to write because I just started with the first things I could remember from my childhood and carried on from there. I wrote my story for my children and grandchildren and future generations who might be interested in knowing who I was. I didn’t intend to have it published but my neighbour helped me put it on his computer, as I had written it all by hand, and persuaded me to send it to a book publisher. My sister Coleen then put me in touch with her agent who got me a book deal. My second book, “New Beginnings”, I’d started quite a few years later with my manager Marc, who’d got me my second book deal. It wasn’t until a few months later that my new manager Julian persuaded me to finish it. Both books had emotional and traumatic chapters which would touch the lives of anybody who was connected to them. For me, it was emotional, but cathartic. I was writing about my life, the good, the bad and the ugly. I felt I wanted to write about all my life, not just the showbiz side. My life with my husband, my daughters and my grandchildren has been the best part of my life and the most real.

Anne, if you could give one inspirational message to women, what would it be?

I read this once and I love it – Stay close to anything that makes you glad to be alive