Sister-group singer Bernie Nolan dies at 52

Bernadette Nolan, a member of singing sister act The Nolans, has died of cancer. She was 52.

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

"Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister; she is irreplaceable," a spokeswoman for the family said, according to the Telegraph. "They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time."

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 the stage musicals "Blood Brothers," "Flashdance" 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.