Tom Parker from ‘The Wanted’ Dies Aged 33 Two Years after Brain Tumor Diagnosis
‘The Wanted’ singer, Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after battling a stage four glioblastoma brain tumour.
The pop star and father-of-two was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in 2020.
His wife, Kelsey Parker, confirmed on Instagram that Parker died today, March 30.
She 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.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout. He fought until the very end.
“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.”
Last year, Parker revealed that the tumour was stable after having an MRI scan, and recently underwent special treatment at a clinic in the Costa Del Sol, Spain, where fees are £8,000 for two weeks, or £11.6k for a three-week programme.
Parker had detailed his battle with brain cancer in a documentary and via social media, telling his fans that it had been brought “under control” in November 2021.
He had announced last week that he was writing a book about his battle, which is due to be released in July.
He wrote: “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.
“It will show you how having faith in hope and daring to dream means you can carry on, against all odds.”
Despite his illness, Tom made a great effort to join his Wanted bandmates – Max George, Nathan Sykes, Jay McGuinness and Siva Kaneswaran – on their UK tour this month.
In a joint statement shared on social media, the band expressed their devastation over their loss after news of Parker’s death was announced.
They told fans: “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.”
