- Culture
- 30 Mar 22
Tom Parker had first spoken of his terminal brain tumour diagnosis in October 2020. Photo: Larry Marano.
The Wanted's Tom Parker has died surrounded by his family and bandmates, following his brain tumour diagnosis.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side," wife Kelsey Parker posted on Instagram today.
"Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom's light continues to shine for his beautiful children.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I'm forever proud of you."
Advertisement
The 33-year-old was one of five members of British-Irish boy band The Wanted, who rose to fame with hits like 'Glad You Came', 'Chasing the Sun', 'Gold Forever' and 'All Time Low'.
His bandmates also posted a tribute to their "brother" on Instagram.
"Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates," it said.
"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can't express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts."
The group split in 2014 but reformed last year in support of Parker and released a greatest hits album, as well as playing a charity gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
Parker shared two years ago that he had a terminal, grade four glioblastoma tumour, described by doctors as the "worst case scenario".
The Bolton native Kelsey had three children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, together.
Advertisement
Tom revealed last week that he had been writing a memoir called Hope, which will be released this July.
"My book, coming this July, is not about dying: It's a book about living. It's a book about finding hope in whatever situation you're dealt, and living your best life no matter what," he said.
"It will show you how having faith in hope and daring to dream means you can carry on, against all odds."