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Tom Parker, singer of boy band The Wanted, has died aged 33 following a battle with brain cancer.
The Wanted star was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in October 2020, and was given just 12 months to live by doctors.
He passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by family and his fellow bandmates as he listened to the Oasis song Live Forever.
A close friend told The Sun: ‘You might have thought Tom would opt for something by The Wanted but Oasis’ Live Forever sums him up perfectly – he was a rockstar and that’s how he wants to be remembered.’
In September 2021, 11 months on from his diagnosis, Tom sang at the Stand Up 2 Cancer show at the Royal Albert Hall and even embarked on a Greatest Hits tour with his bandmates when the tumour was confirmed as ‘stable’ in November.
But Tom’s condition deteriorated rapidly once the tour came to an end earlier this year.
‘Tom loved touring – he was an absolute rockstar and determined to join the boys on stage. He was enjoying playing two songs a night and was doing well performing but it really took it out of him,’ the source told The Sun.
‘We all noticed how quickly Tom deteriorated during the tour but he had no regrets – he really wanted to do it.’
The tragic news of his death was confirmed by his wife Kelsey, 32, who he leaves behind along with their two children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
‘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,’ Tom’s wife Kelsey said
The tragic news was confirmed by his wife Kelsey, 32, whom he leaves behind along with their two children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one (Kelsey’s Instagram post pictured)
Tom Parker and his then fiancee Kelsey Hardwick arrive at Jurassic Park live at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November 2016
File photo dated 30/06/12 of Tom Parker from The Wanted performing at the Olympic Torch Relay concert, in Birmingham. The Wanted star Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, the band has announced
File photo dated 12/09/10 of (back row, left – right) Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker, Jay McGuiness, (front row, left- right) Max George, Nathan Sykes of The Wanted backstage at the Help For Heroes Concert at Twickenham Stadium, south west London
Kelsey said: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
‘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.’
She went on to thank everyone who has cared for Tom during his illness, adding that he fought the disease until the very end.
A statement posted on the band’s official Instagram account read: ‘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.
‘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.’
Kelsey reposted a string of tributes from friends on her Instagram Stories in the hours after her husband’s death, including many which referred to the devoted couple as ‘soulmates.’
She commented on a number of the reposts including one from actress Michelle Keegan, who was previously engaged to Tom’s bandmate Max George.
Soul mates: Kelsey commented on a number of the reposts including one from actress Michelle Keegan (left), who was previously engaged to Tom’s bandmate Max George, which called the couple ‘soul mates’
Declaration: On another post shared by a friend about the cheeky voice notes Tom would leave his loved ones, Kelsey wrote: ‘This is Tom Parker everyone. He changed so many lives in such a small amount of time. Tom Parker I f**king love you’
Michelle wrote that she was ‘absolutely heartbroken for Kelsey,’ adding that it ‘was an honour to witness first hand their love, they really are the true definition of soul mates.’ Kelsey wrote in reply: ‘Love you. You knew how our love was so pure and honest, soul mates until the end’.
On another post shared by a friend about the cheeky voice notes Tom would leave his loved ones, Kelsey wrote: ‘This is Tom Parker everyone. He changed so many lives in such a small amount of time. Tom Parker I f**king love you. Such a legend. Just the fact that he would send messages like this… I mean can you imagine the messages I got.’
The 33-year-old singer’s death comes just one week after he revealed he was in the process of writing a tell-all memoir amid his battle with brain cancer.
Tom took to Instagram last Tuesday to share the news with his fans and announce that the book would be released in July.
He said that the book, called Hope, isn’t going to be about ‘dying’ but about ‘living’ and ‘finding hope’ no matter what situation you are in.
This image, taken from a reel shared on Tom Parker’s official Instagram account, shows the singer recovering from an operation related to the disease in a hospital gown
In the final picture posted on his Instagram account before his death, Parker shared this snap of him on stage with his bandmates
Tom was given just 12 months to live when he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2020 at the age of 31. Yet in October 2021, a year after he went public with his diagnosis, he was continuing to make public appearances and used his fame to advocate for more funding for brain tumour research, which only receives around one per cent of total cancer research funding (image of a young Tom Parker shared on Instagram by his wife Kelsey)
Heartfelt: In a lengthy caption Kelsey said she ‘couldn’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence’
Tributes: Kelsey reposted a string of tributes from friends on her Instagram Stories in the hours after her husband’s death, including many which referred to the devoted couple as ‘soulmates’
His words: Kelsey reposted a message from a friend which included Tom’s words to his wife at his charity concert in September 2021
Tributes from friends: Another repost showed a sweet photo of Tom and his son at home while a member of the couple’s wedding band shared a snap from the wedding day
Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma and went public with his diagnosis in October 2020.
Last week, upon revealing a draft cover for his memoir, he shared a sweet video of an animated book flipping through pages, which contained photographs of Tom and his family.
In a caption alongside the post, he revealed: ‘Hi, I’m Tom Parker, a lot of you know me as one fifth of The Wanted, but I am also a father, a husband, and a son, that’s battling brain cancer.
‘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.’
A source close to Tom’s wife Kelsey said that although the family were grieving, they were happy the singer was no longer in pain.
‘While they would give anything to have one more day with their beloved Tom, they didn’t want to see him suffer or be in pain anymore,’ the source told The Sun.
‘If there is any silver lining in this unimaginable time, it’s the fact that Tom is no longer in any discomfort and can rest now.’
During his last moment, the singer listened to Oasis’ 1994 hit Live Forever from their debut album Definitely Maybe.
Tributes for The Wanted singer have already flooded in.
Tom’s bandmate Siva Kaneswaran wrote on Instagram: ‘Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there.
‘I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage. It has been a pleasure of my life Tommy Boy.
‘Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother x’
Union J singer JJ Hamblett called Tom ‘an incredible artist and real family man’, tweeting: ‘I am speechless!
‘Such a cruel, cruel world… RIP Tom.. you will be missed but never never forgotten’.
Howard Donald from Take That – a band Tom had idolised as a member of a tribute act, also sent his condolences to the family of The Wanted star.
He tweeted: ‘So young and so sad. RIP @TomParker from @thewanted. Strength and love to his family.’
Reality TV star and presenter Rylan Clark tweeted: ‘I’ve just seen the news about Tom and that’s absolutely gutting. He was such a good’un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids. Awful news.’
And noting his own father’s death following a battle with cancer last year, former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan wrote: ‘Just heard that Tom Parker passed away, the same wicked disease that took my father. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.’
No one expected a former member of tribute act Take That II to become part of one of the UK’s biggest boy bands but Tom managed to defy odds.
Tom was given just 12 months to live when he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2020 at the age of 31.
Yet in October 2021, a year after he went public with his diagnosis, he was continuing to make public appearances and used his fame to advocate for more funding for brain tumour research, which only receives around one per cent of total cancer research funding.
Throughout his adult years Tom was instantly recognisable to many teenager and young people thanks to the success of his band.
The Wanted released their first album in October 2010, which reached number four in the UK Albums Chart and created three UK top 20 singles.
Their later singles released in 2012 helped the band find success across the pond in the United States and Canada, with their hit Glad You Came becoming the highest American chart entry by a British boy band at that time.
Heartbreaking: Tom Parker has died aged 33 following a battle with brain cancer
Parker is pictured right alongside bandmate Max George in this image shared on Parker’s Instagram mere weeks ago
Tom Parker of The Wanted is pictured at Global Radio Studios, London, UK – 12 Oct 2021, one year after he went public with his brain cancer diagnosis
Parker in recent months was forced to use a wheelchair and remain seated while playing with the band
File photo dated 18/06/13 of (left to right) Tom Parker, Nathan Sykes, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuiness of The Wanted during a press Q&A at the premiere of their reality E! TV series ‘Wanted Life’, at the Charlotte Street Hotel in central London
A few years later in 2014 after the band announced a hiatus, Tom turned his attention to television, reaching the semi finals of Celebrity Masterchef in 2015 before coming in third in skiing show The Jump in 2016.
One year later, the singer went back to the stage and was cast as male lead Danny Zuko in the UK tour of Grease in 2017, which led him to postpone his wedding to Kelsey Hardwick.
The pair had planned to tie the knot in 2017 after getting engaged the year before.
Speaking to Hello magazine at the time, Tom said: ‘I don’t want to take two weeks off, get married, do a week on honeymoon, then go back on tour.
‘I’m letting Kelsey put everything into place and I’ll just give her my credit card when needed.’
Despite his successful career Tom was not met with beginner’s luck when entering the music industry – he was first rejected by X Factor judges during the first round of auditions.
Tom told The Metro in 2011 that he received all nos from the judges before he had reached the chorus of his song choice (Flying Without Wings by Westlife) which left him ‘shattered’.
Following his failed attempt to make it to X Factor, Tom assumed the persona of Mark Owen in tribute band Take That II which saw him ‘singing to 50-year-old men smoking in the corner of working mens clubs’.
His audition for The Wanted took a more positive turn despite, according to Tom, turning up to the audition looking ‘chavvy.’
Tom said to Metro: ‘I turned up wearing a tracksuit with my hood up, so I looked a bit chavvy, but played Handbags and Gladrags’ on the guitar. Maybe our manager Jane saw something in me no-one else did at the time.’
Tom and Kelsey have had two children: daughter Aurelia born in 2019 and son Bodhi, who was born after Tom’s cancer diagnosis in 2020.
The singer said: ‘The kids are the one thing to get me up in the morning, they bring that positivity out of me.’
File photo dated 11/12/11 of (left to right) Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes, Max George, Tom Parker and Siva Kaneswaran of The Wanted during T4’s Stars of 2011 event, at Earls Court, London
The Wanted star Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, the band has announced. The singer revealed his diagnosis in October 2020 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Parker is pictured left along with The Wanted band mates
Tom and Kelsey had been open with how cancer treatment was impacting him and forced him to spend extended periods of time away from the children.
Kelsey wrote on Instagram that she and Tom had been in Spain for treatment which ‘meant the longest time away from our babies.’
She added: ‘You don’t realise how someone having cancer really affects the whole family.’
After his diagnosis. Tom spent three months in bed, saying to a camera in his room that all he could think was ‘I’m just going to lie here and die.’
He said: ‘It’s so hard to think about the future because I genuinely don’t know what it holds any more.’
But after coming to terms with the diagnosis, Tom began preparing for more stage performances and in September 2021 held a special charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall where all proceeds went to Stand Up To Cancer and The National Brain Appeal.
Tom said: ‘I was absolutely shocked to discover that only one per cent of the annual research budget for cancer goes towards finding a cure and treatment for glioblastoma.
‘That’s why I’m supporting The National Brain Appeal – I want to use my voice and platform to do something about it and help in any small way I can.’
Following on from the concert Tom released a documentary called Tom Parker: Inside My Head for Stand Up To Cancer which shows him and his family navigating his illness and preparing for the concert.
This year Tom joined his bandmates on their tour celebrating their greatest hits and for some shows he performed on stage sitting on a throne visibly frail.
Yet Tom’s illness did not take away from how much he revelled in his time on stage playing music.
Tom said in a Stand Up To Cancer video: ‘I was just a kid from Bolton, and then I got in a band and travelled the world, it was absolutely incredible.
‘I’m very proud of where I’ve got to in my life.’
Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research, said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Kelsey, their children and all of Tom’s loved ones. His loss will be greatly felt by his bandmates from The Wanted, their fans and throughout the pop world.
‘Since being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in October 2020, Tom has spoken openly and honestly about the impact of the disease and in doing so, has helped to raise awareness of the devastation caused by brain tumours.’
After referencing Parker’s fundraising and campaigning work, he added: ‘Tom’s tragic death highlights the fact that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has historically been allocated to this devastating disease.
‘We remember Tom for his passion, intelligence, eloquence and determination in the face of such adversity and will continue to remember him as we focus on our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.’
‘I am so grateful I had the chance to witness your courage’: Tom Parker’s bandmates join Ed Sheeran and Peter Andre leading a national outpouring of grief after The Wanted star’s death aged 33
- The band, consisting of Siva Kaneswaran, Max George , Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuinness, described the singer as an ‘amazing husband and father’
- Stars including Ed Sheeran, Rylan Clark, Iain Stirling and Peter Andre also shared their own tributes to Tom
- Tom’s death was announced by his wife Kelsey on Wednesday after he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October 2020
- ‘He fought until the very end,’ Kelsey said in a touching tribute on Instagram alongside a picture of their family
By LAURA FOX for MAILONLINE
Tom Parker’s ‘devastated’ bandmates have joined a national outpouring of grief after it was announced The Wanted singer had died at the age of 33 following a two-year battle with a brain tumour.
Taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, the band, consisting of Siva Kaneswaran, Max George, Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuinness, described the singer as an ‘amazing husband and father’ who would ‘always and forever be in their hearts.’
Tom’s death, which sparked a slew of other stars to share their social media tributes, was announced by his wife Kelsey on Wednesday after he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October 2020, writing on social media that he ‘fought to the very end’ before passing away ‘peacefully’ surrounded by his family.
Sharing a black and white image of Tom on The Wanted’s Instagram, the band said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Siva Kaneswaran shared his own tribute on Instagram, writing: ‘Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there. I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage.
Touching: Alongside the band posting a joint tribute, Siva Kaneswaran shared his own on Instagram, writing: ‘I am so grateful I had the chance to witness your courage’
Heartfelt: In a lengthy caption Kelsey said she ‘couldn’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence’
‘It has been a pleasure of my life Tommy Boy. Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother x.’
After Tom’s passing was announcing, a slew of UK stars also took to social media to share their own tributes.
Ed Sheeran took to Instagram to share his own tribute, writing: ‘So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy x.’
Heart-wrenching: Following Kelsey’s announcement of Tom’s death, many stars flooded social media with tributes, including singer Ed Sheeran
Lawson star Adam Pitts shared a recent image of Tom alongside Max on stage that he’d taken two weeks earlier, and tweeted: ‘One of the bravest, most inspirational people I have ever had the joy of knowing. Your attitude ever since your diagnosis has inspired people all around the world and you have raised so much money to help battle this horrible disease.
‘It was so amazing to see you back with the boys with the biggest smile on your face and I’m so glad Aurelia and Bodhi got to see their dad as the rockstar that he was. Sending so much love to Kelsea and all your family and loved ones. ‘
His bandmate Ryan Fletcher added: ‘Devastating news about @TomParker what an outstanding amazing guy. Will miss you mate thank you for everything. Thoughts go out to @Being_Kelsey and the The wanted fam right now I don’t even know what to say. RIP Tom.’
Tough time: Lawson star Adam Pitts shared a recent image of Tom alongside Max on stage that he’d taken two weeks earlier
Rylan Clark tweeted: ‘I’ve just seen the news about Tom and that’s absolutely gutting. He was such a good’un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids. Awful news .’
Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins tweeted an array of images from her previous interviews with Tom and The Wanted, writing: ‘So desperately sad to hear about @TomParker.
‘So full of life, it’s so cruel he’s gone way too soon at 33. We were both patrons of @ellenorcharity & last time we spoke he still wanted to help others despite all he was going through. Sending huge love to Kelsey & @thewanted.’
Take That star Howard Donald added: ‘So young and so sad. RIP @TomParker from @thewanted. Strength and love to his family.’
Peter Andre tweeted: ‘Very sad and very unfair. Rest in Peace Tom. Thoughts are with his wife and children.’
The Vamps’ Connor Ball wrote: ’33 is far too young, so much sadness, Rest in peace Tom Parker’.
Strictly Come Dancing star HRVY said: ‘We all love you Tom Parker.’
Love Island star Malin Andersson, tweeted: ‘Rest in paradise Tom Parker, sending love and strength to your family.’
The Nolans wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking news. Tom was a great guy – kind, funny, talented and a fighter. Sending lots of love to his partner Kelsey, their kids and his bandmates… Rest in Peace, Tom.’
Noting his own father’s death following a battle with cancer last year, James Jordan wrote: ‘Just heard that Tom Parker passed away, the same wicked disease that took my father. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
‘He was a very special man that I had the honour of meeting several times. Rest In Peace brother ❤️ My dad will be there waiting for you with a beer.’
Martin Kemp also tweeted: ‘Tom Parker, rest in peace my love goes out to all your family and all your friends.. your bravery, your fight and your spirit will never be forgotten.’
Blue star Antony Costa wrote: ‘Devastating news about #tomparker R.I.P sending my condolences to his family,loved ones and friends. X.’
The band themselves later shared their own statement, writing on Twitter: ‘The passing of Tom Parker has saddened us greatly. His fight was an inspiration and he changed the lives of everyone he came into contact with. Long may he be remembered for that. With love to all his family and close friends.’
Emotional: A slew of other stars also shared their own moving Twitter tributes
Posting on Twitter, X Factor star Joe McElderry said: ‘So very very sad ?? life can be cruel! My thoughts to his family and friends.’
Tamzin Outwaite posted on Twitter: ‘This has floored me. Sending love and light to Tom’s wife and children. So unbelievably tragic. R.I.P Tom Parker.’
Comedian Iain Stirling wrote on Instagram: ‘I was fortunate enough to meet Tom on a number of occasions. A genuinely lovely man. Kind, humble and very funny – the sort of person that radiated a positive energy that lit up a room.
‘Also ‘Glad You Came’ is an absolute banger! My thoughts are with Tom’s family at this difficult time x.’
Ahead of announcing Tom’s death, Kelsey’s last post to her husband came on March 8, with the mother-of-two sharing a snap of him performing alongside his bandmates, writing: ‘That’s my husband ❤️✌️ You’ve made us so proud. Love you @tomparkerofficial.’
On Wednesday Tom’s death was announced by his wife Kelsey, 32, who he leaves behind along with their two children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
Reaching out: As Kelsey shared the news of Tom’s death on Instagram, many stars shared their own tributes in the comments
In shock: Along with a slew of stars, The Wanted’s fans struggled to hide their shock as they learned the ‘heartbreaking’ news of Tom’s passing
‘So proud’: Ahead of announcing Tom’s death, Kelsey’s last post to her husband came on March 8, with the mother-of-two sharing a snap of him performing alongside his bandmates, writing: ‘That’s my husband’
Last appearance: In the final picture posted on his Instagram account before his death, Parker shared this snap of him on stage with his bandmates (pictured on March 17)
Source: Daily Mail
