'Special to us': Tributes pour in for 'Queer Eye' star Tom Jackson after he dies from cancer at 63
MARIETTA, GEORGIA: Tom Jackson, of 'Queer Eye' fame, died at 63 following a battle with metastatic adenocarcinoma, a gland cancer that spread to other parts of the body. Jackson's obituary states that he passed away on Friday, March 3 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his death.
Jackson is survived by his daughter Katie Phelps, his two grandsons Chandler and Watson Phelps, and his sisters Kozetta Stewart and Jackie Lynn Childers. The tragic news was revealed Queer Eye's social media accounts, with hosts Tan France and Jonathan Van Ness mourning the loss of their beloved pal who shot to prominence following his appearance on the Netflix reboot's first episode in 2018.
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'Rest in peace, Tom Jackson'
"It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson," Queer Eye posted on Instagram alongside photos of the late guest on the show. "Such incredibly sad news," France wrote in the comments section, while Van Ness added, "RIP Tom ❤️". Co-host Bobby Berk chimed in, "Having a Redneck Margarita in your honor," while 'The Bachelor' star Susie Evans offered, "Omg this just broke my heart! I loved his episode. Sending love to his loved ones.❤️"
It's worth noting that Jackso considered his tryst with Queer Eye to be the "highlight" of his life. His family noted in his obituary how he "enjoyed the notoriety and shared his experience with whoever would listen," adding, "In lieu of flowers, please watch season 1, episode 1 of Queer Eye on Netflix and tell others about it in honor of Tom." The family concluded by saying, "We will never forget our beloved Tom. He brought joy, humor, persistence, and love to our family. He is special to us, and we look forward to seeing him again one day." Jackson's loved ones will host a celebration of life on Sunday, March 12th in Georgia.
Reinventing himself
Jackson received a much-needed makeover in his Queer Eye episode - titled 'You Can't Fix Ugly' - helping him regain his lost confidence. The team revamped his wardrobe, redecorated his home, and set him on a healthier path. The late star was candid about his battle with lupus, a chronic illness that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. Shortly after hitting the reset button on his life, he rekindled his relationship with his ex-wife Abby Parr. Season one, episode one aired in February 2018 and was a huge success for the show.
Jackson moved in together with Abby and the pair remarried in Tennessee in May 2018. Speaking to Inside Edition about reconnecting with his lover, he said it "feels really great" to be back together and that it's like "we're making up for a lot of lost time." Jackson said he was sticking to the diet plan recommended by the Fab 5 and also gushed about his new wardrobe. However, he and Abby parted ways again the following year.
'I was just being myself'
Jackson reflected on his time on the show in a 2021 tweet, expressing his love for the Fab 5, which consists of France, Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and Bobby Berk. "I'm the 1st episode on Netflix Queer Eye. Everyone that my episode season 1 episode 1. I was just being myself and having fun with the Fab 5," he tweeted. "I love all the guys of the Fab 5. I think they all enjoyed working with me. The creators and executives told me that I was a natural."
I’m the 1st episode on Netflix Queer Eye. Everyone that my epoisode season 1 episode 1. I was just being myself and having fun with the Fab 5. I love all the guys of the Fab 5. I think they all enjoyed working with me. The creators and executives told me that I was a natural..
— Tom Jackson (@TomJack20176306) October 10, 2021
Premiering in 2018, 'Queer Eye' is a reboot of Bravo's hit show 'Queer Eye For The Straight Guy' which ran from 2003 to 2007. The show wrapped its sixth season last year and a season seven premiere date is yet to be announced, the Daily Mail reported.