Tom Parker death news latest – The Wanted star died listening to Oasis, family reveal, as Ed Sheeran leads tributes
THE Wanted's Tom Parker requested Oasis' classic hit Live Forever as he passed away with his bandmates and family by his side yesterday.
The singer, 33, passed away on Wednesday afternoon after he was diagnosed with "inoperable" glioblastoma in October 2020.
Tom rose to fame as a member of chart-topping boy band The Wanted but revealed he had stage 4 glioblastoma in October 2020.
A close friend of the family 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.
"It's a real anthem to strength and defiance and some of the lyrics really speak to his struggle. Like the track says, Tom really will live forever in his children, his fans and his music."
The 33-year-old tragically leaves behind children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, as well as his wife Kelsey, 32.
Read our Tom Parker blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Tom was originally given 18 months to live
The star was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 and given just 18 months to live.
But brave Tom beat the odds after undergoing several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions.
Just last week Tom announced he had written a heartbreaking book about his battle.
- Joseph Gamp
Dame Arlene Philips remembers 'sweetheart' Tom Parker
Choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips has paid tribute to The Wanted star Tom Parker.
Parker died from cancer yesterday at the age of 33.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Dame Arlene said: "He worked so hard, he was phenomenal."
The 78-year-old added: "He seemed to be able to battle through anything and everything, and he cast it aside in a way that just shocked me."
She also extended her sympathy to Parker's widow, Kelsey Parker, saying: "And his absolutely beautiful wife Kelsey, to lose the dad of her children, her partner, so sweet and kind and loving, the two of them, it would touch your heart just to watch them together and the love for each other.
"It's a terrible, terrible loss."
- Milica Cosic
More tributes to the talented star
Rylan Clark said it was "absolutely gutting" news. "He was such a good'un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids," he wrote.
Former One Direction star Liam Payne said he was "heartbroken". "[Parker] was so full of life and humour, and the memories I have of him with stay with me forever."
Presenter Davina McCall remembered Parker as the "kindest soul".
Fellow British boyband Blue, tweeted that Parker was "an inspiration" and "changed the lives of everyone he came into contact with".
Singer Joe McElderry tweeted: "So very very sad 🙁 life can be cruel! My thoughts to his family and friends."
- Milica Cosic
Tributes for The Wanted singer flood 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 -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."
- Milica Cosic
Explained: What is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is considered the most aggressive tumor that can form in the brain.
Patients have a 10 percent chance of surviving five years after their diagnosis, according to figures.
The average lifespan is between 14 and 16 months.
Three adults per every 100,000 will be struck down with a glioblastoma, says The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
It is most commonly found in men aged 50 to 60, and there is no link between developing glioblastoma and having a previous history with other cancers.
- Milica Cosic
Tom revealed a draft for his memoir before passing
Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, and in October 2020 went public with his diagnosis.
Last week, he revealed a draft cover for his memoir, and shared a sweet video flipping through pages of a book, 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."
- Milica Cosic
'Tom loved touring – he was an absolute rockstar'
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."
"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 added
"We all noticed how quickly Tom deteriorated during the tour but he had no regrets – he really wanted to do it."
- Milica Cosic
Heartbroken wife Kelsey shares unseen video of Tom
TOM Parker's heartbroken wife Kelsey has shared an unseen video of The Wanted star singing karaoke and doing a robot dance.
Tom looked dapper as he grabbed the microphone at a party for a rendition of The Wanted hit Glad You Came.
He looked handsome in a cream suit jacket and a white shirt as he set the dancefloor on fire with his vocals.
Tom looked like he was having a blast as he swigged from a huge glass of orange juice as he partied hard.
He sang the lyrics: "Time is slipping away, away from us you say," before belting out the famous chorus "I'm glad you came."
Kelsey, 32, captioned the video "Beautiful Memories, I will never forget this night."
Kelsey shared unseen footage of her beloved TomCredit: instagram - Milica Cosic
'Our hearts are broken'
Sharing the devastating news about her husband last night, Kelsey told The Sun: "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.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout. He fought until the very end."
Tom pictured with his wife Kelsey and their two kids Aurelia and baby Bodhi
- Milica Cosic
GMB's Susanna Reid reacts to the ‘cruel’ death of Tom
EMOTIONAL host Susanna Reid has reacted to the "cruel" death of The Wanted's Tom Parker – just four months after he was last on Good Morning Britain.
The 50-year-old paid tribute to the star, 33, who lost his battle with brain cancer yesterday.
Speaking on the breakfast show this morning, Susanna spoke of her memories about meeting Tom after he reunited with The Wanted amid his illness.
"It was very notable how much The Wanted cared for him behind the scenes," said Susanna.
"Even though he still had lots of energy and was smiling and laughing they really had that arm around him the whole time.
"We really are so sad about Tom. Tragically young, 33 years old, incredibly cruel what has happened to him.
"We send our love to the band, to the team around them and especially to Kelsey and the children."
- Milica Cosic
Hello, Milica Cosic logging on to bring you all the latest news and updates following the passing of The Wanted's Tom Parker.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom Parker’s wife released statement
Kelsey wrote: “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.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom was originally given 18 months to live
The star was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 and given just 18 months to live.
But brave Tom beat the odds after undergoing several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions.
Just last week Tom announced he had written a heartbreaking book about his battle.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom Parker’s incredible battle against the odds
Tom revealed in October 2020 that he had an inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma – which doctors described as “the worst case scenario”.
The star had been undergoing treatment in Spain that meant he was forced to pull out of the start of the boyband’s UK tour.
But he did make an appearance at the later dates where he performed while sitting on a throne.
Before the end of each show, his bandmates Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuinness welcomed him to the stage.
Nathan, 28, told the crowd: “Give it up for Tom Parker” as the crowd erupted in rapturous applause.
- Joseph Gamp
How did Tom get his big break?
Tom, from Bolton, learnt to play the guitar aged 16 and auditioned unsuccessfully for The X Factor.
In 2009 he joined The Wanted, with the band going on to score 10 UK Top 10 singles and three Top 10 albums.
- Joseph Gamp
Who is Tom Parker’s wife Kelsey Hardwick?
Kelsey is a dancer and actress who runs performing arts school, K2K Stars Performing Arts Academy.
Tom got engaged to Kelsey Hardwick in 2016 and they married in July 2018 in a romantic ceremony in the grounds of Ridge Farm in Surrey surrounded by their family and closest friends.
On June 30, 2019, they welcomed their first child together, daughter, Aurelia Rose.
In May 2020 the couple announced they have another baby on the way.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom Parker: From The Wanted to cancer campaigner (2/2)
Parker announced that his brain tumour was “stable” and “under control”.
Speaking alongside his wife in October 2021, Parker revealed that they might discuss having their third child in a year or two, but admitted that their “new mission is trying to better the treatment for cancer”.
Parker later revealed how he was “staggered” that better treatments had not been found for those suffering from brain tumours, despite a vaccine for Covid-19 being found within a year.
Throughout his cancer battle, Parker remained upbeat and positive with the support of his wife and bandmates. In 2021, Parker revealed that he “didn’t want to pay cancer any attention”.
He spoke openly about his illness during the lead-up to his charity concert, saying: “It’s not that I’m ignoring cancer but I just don’t want to pay it any attention.
“The more attention you pay it, the more it consumes your life and I don’t want to consume my life.
“I’ve got kids, I’ve got family. So I just try and just ignore it as much as possible.”
- Joseph Gamp
Tom Parker: From The Wanted to cancer campaigner (1/2)
Tom Parker achieved great success as a member of one of the UK’s chart-topping boy bands, later going on to triumph on stage and television.
The singer was born in Bolton in 1988, and during his adolescence fought his way through a number of failed attempts to break into the music industry.
Parker initially auditioned for The X Factor after learning to play the guitar at the age of 16, but did not make it past the first round of the competition.
He abandoned his musical pursuits for a short time to study geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, but later dropped out to have another shot at achieving his dream of becoming a professional singer.
For a time Parker was part of a Take That tribute band called Take That II, before eventually finding success in British-Irish boy band The Wanted.
The Wanted formed in 2009 and consisted of Parker and fellow band members, Jay McGuiness, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes.
- Joseph Gamp
Union J star ‘speechless’ over Tom Parker
JJ Hamblett tweeted: “Just seen the news…I am speechless!!!
“Tom Parker was such a nice guy who was an incredible artist and real family man! Such a cruel, cruel world.”
He added: “RIP Tom.. you will be missed but never never forgotten.”
- Joseph Gamp
The Wanted Siva Kaneswaran’s heartbreaking Instagram post
Tom Parker’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”
- Joseph Gamp
Tom’s final post to ‘dream team’ Wanted bandmates
TOM Parker’s final post two days ago stands as a heartbreaking tribute to his bandmates in The Wanted.
The singer, whose death aged 33 from brain cancer was revealed today, called them his “Dream Team ❤️”.
The poignant picture shows Tom onstage with Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes.
They are shown on top of a platform with Tom in the centre sat on a throne in a pair of dark glasses.
The Wanted bandmate Max, 33, replied to the post writing simply: “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
One emotional fan wrote: “No one else will ever come even close. Dream team then, now and forever ♥️.”
- Joseph Gamp
Martin Kemp says Tom’s ‘spirit will never be forgotten’
English actor and musician Martin Kemp has paid tribute to Tom Parker, saying his “spirit will never be forgotten” following The Wanted star’s death at 33.
Kemp wrote in a tweet: “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”.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom's family and kids spent precious time with star during final days
In his final days, Kelsey, Tom's children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, and all Tom's immediate family got to spend precious time with him.
"They made sure he knew in no uncertain terms just how much they, and everyone, loved him," our source explained to the Sun.
"In amongst all the tears, there was lots of laughter and smiling as everyone remembered the good times too.
"There are memories with Tom that they will all treasure forever."
Tom was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer glioblastoma in October 2020 and has bravely fought since then.
He recently joined his The Wanted bandmates on their UK tour, performing on a throne each night to huge cheers from the crowds.
- Joseph Gamp
Tom Parker's family heartbroken but 'relieved he is no longer in pain'
TOM Parker's family are devastated by his tragic death, but are glad that he is no longer suffering.
The Sun has learnt that loved ones of the brave singer, who passed away today aged 33, are rallying around each other tonight.
They have taken comfort in the fact he is at peace and knew how much they, and the world, loved him.
A source close to Tom's wife Kelsey, 32, says: "Everyone who loved Tom is understandably heartbroken beyond words at losing him.
"Even though they knew this moment was coming, nothing can prepare you for this kind of grief.
"But 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.
"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."
- Joseph Gamp
Channel 4 'devastated' over Tom Parker's passing
Channel 4 tweeted: "We are devastated to hear about the passing of Tom Parker.
"Last year Tom allowed us into his life to make a powerful and moving film for @SU2CUK.
"His talent, courage and charity work will leave a lasting legacy.
"Our thoughts are with Kelsey, his family and friends."
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