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How did Tom Parker die? 'The Wanted' star, 33, was writing book about 'finding hope'

Nine days prior to his death the musician openly discussed his health condition on Instagram to promote his upcoming memoir, 'Hope'

'The Wanted' singer Tom Parker has died aged 33. Parker's wife Kelsey Hardwick, as well as his bandmates confirmed his death on social media on Wednesday, March 30. Parker announced in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma, a brain cancer. At the time, he received the diagnosis after experiencing two seizures. In January 2021, he said that the tumor had significantly reduced. Now, less than two years after the announcement, the star died from brain cancer.

"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 bandmates. 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," 'The Wanted' wrote on Instagram.

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Parker's wife 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. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you."

Parker was one of the singers of 'The Wanted', best known for their 2011 hit 'Glad You Came'. The band had recently announced a reunion tour. Parker appeared onstage with the band in a wheelchair at a recent show in UK. Parker announced earlier in March that he had written a book about finding hope in whatever situation you're dealt", which is set to be published in July. 

Artist manager Jayne Collins held a mass auditon in 2009 to form a boy band. Parker auditioned and was selected as one of five members out of thousands of others who appeared for the audition. The other members selected were Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Max George and Jay McGuiness. Thus, 'The Wanted' was formed. Parker married Kelsey Hardwick in 2018, and the two share a daughter and a son, born in 2019 and 2020 respectively. 

'You were my childhood'

Social media came together to mourn Parker's death. "One of the most heartbreaking news i’ve heard in a while. rest easy Tom Parker, you were my childhood," one user wrote on Twitter. "My heart majorly goes out to his beautiful wife & children. Never take a single day for granted and never wait to tell somebody you love and care about them. Heartbreaking," said another.

"Tom Parker from The Wanted visited us for his cancer docu. He recorded a podcast with Amani where they shared their journey as brain cancer sufferers. He was kind & humble and stayed in touch with Amani. So sad to hear he also lost his cancer battle today. Miss you Tom & Amani," one user commented, while another said, "Tom Parker’s last gift to everyone was to bring the dudes back together so they could see how loved and missed they were. He is the light that’ll never fade & will be absolutely missed". "Rest in peace Tom Parker, thank you for playing one of the biggest roles in my childhood and allowing me to grow up with you as one of my biggest influences. i love you and you will be missed," one user wrote.