Tom Parker has died at the age of 33. The Wanted singer passed away today after a battle with terminal brain cancer glioblastoma.
The Bolton-born star was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour while his wife Kelsey was pregnant with their second child in 2020. He shot to fame as one of the five singers in hit UK band The Wanted.
His beloved wife confirmed the tragic news in a heartbreaking statement. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side," Kelsey Parker said in an Instagram post.
"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." It comes just two weeks after the dad of two joined the reunited boyband on stage at the AO Arena for the final song of the show in Manchester. Tom had first spoken of his terminal brain tumour diagnosis in October 2020.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 2010 and went on to enjoy several hits including UK chart-topping singles All Time Low and Glad You Came. In 2014. The Wanted announced they were taking some time apart so that each member could pursue personal endeavours but since reformed for a new tour.
In November Tom was in tears as he announced that his brain tumour was under control. And as he saw in the new year he told fans: "2022…the year we kick cancers ass in to touch.
"Not sure how I would have got through the last year without you all to be honest. Love you so much." In December Tom made an emotional return to ITV's Full Monty show two years on after stripping to help raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
The star was back on stage for Strictly The Real Full Monty but this time to sing with his The Wanted bandmates. The Wanted - Tom, Jay McGuiness, Max George, Nathan Sykes and Siva Kaneswaran - was formed in 2009 and their debut track All Time Low shot to number one in the UK.
The band, who took a hiatus from 2014, announced they would perform together for the first time in seven years at Tom Parker’s Inside My Head – The Concert to raise awareness of brain tumours last September followed by a greatest hits album, Most Wanted: The Greatest Hits.
Tom's diagnosis came shortly before he and Kelsey, who married in July 2018, welcomed their second child, a son named Bodhi in October 2020. They also have a daughter Aurelia who they welcomed in July 2019.
