Topics: Music, Celebrity, no-article-matching
The Wanted's Tom Parker has died aged 33 following a battle with a terminal brain tumour.
His wife, Kelsey Hardwick, announced that he had passed away earlier today, 30 March, with his family and bandmates at his side. He leaves behind two children - Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side," his wife wrote on Instagram. "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."
Parker revealed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma and was given 18 months to live by doctors.
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He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and was able to join his bandmates for part of their recent reunion tour, where he performed while sitting on a throne.
A year after his diagnosis, Parker took to social media to tell fans his cancer was 'under control,' however in recent months his condition is understood to have deteriorated, with recent images shared by his family and bandmates showing the singer using a wheelchair.
Parker joined The Wanted in 2009, with the group going on to have 10 UK top ten singles and three top ten albums.
"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," a statement posted to The Wanted's Instagram page read.
"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."
Last week, he revealed he had written a book about his life and his recent cancer battle. "My book 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," he said of the memoir, titled Hope, which is set to be published in July.
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