Tom Parker obit

Tom Parker, The Wanted Singer, Dies at 33 After Battling Brain Cancer

"Tom was the centre of our world and we can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence," his wife wrote.

 

He was not on the list.

Tom Parker of The Wanted has died at 33 after a long fight with brain cancer, his wife, Kelsey Hardwick, confirmed via Instagram on Wednesday.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side,” she captioned a black and white photo of the singer. “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.”

Parker — who rose to fame after The Wanted found success in 2012 with singles “Glad You Came” and “Chasing the Sun” — publicly shared his battle with brain cancer and revealed in October 2020 that he was diagnosed with the illness. On Nov. 4, Parker updated his Instagram followers on his condition and reported that his latest brain scan came back as stable.

“We had the results from my latest scan…and I’m delighted to say it is STABLE,” he shared. “Such a mix of emotions. We couldn’t ask for any more really at this point; a year or so in to this journey. Honestly over the moon. We can sleep a little easier tonight. Thank you for all your love and support over the last 12+ months.”

The “Glad You Came” singer was due to release a book about his cancer battle titled Hope, which he said is meant to be about finding the positive moments even in the darkest of times. “It’s a book about living,” Parker wrote on March 21. “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.”

Parker is survived by Hardwick and their two children — Aurelia Rose Parker and Bodhi Thomas Paris Parker.