Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey pays emotional tribute to ‘soulmate’ at The Wanted singer’s funeral
Musician was heralded for his tireless charity work after being diagnosed with brain cancer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kelsey Parker, the widow of the late The Wanted singer Tom Parker, paid tribute to her “soulmate” in an emotional speech at his funeral on Wednesday (20 April).
Parker died last month at the age of 33, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
During the private funeral service, a pre-recorded message was played in which Kelsey shared anecdotes about her late husband, including the pair’s first meeting.
“From that moment I told everyone I wanted to marry Tom Parker,” she said.
“Tom told me he was going to be famous and wouldn’t have time for a girlfriend, but he wouldn’t leave me alone,” she added, prompting laughter from the crowd.
“I will treasure every memory because life with you was never dull,” she continued. “Marrying you was the best day of my life... soulmates, that’s what we are.”
Kelsey had invited fans to pay respects outside his funeral in Petts Wood.
On Instagram, she wrote that it “would be beautiful to have everyone line the route as we head to our private service”.
Hundreds of fans lined the route to the church. Many stayed outside during the service, which was relayed on screens.
Parker’s coffin was carried into the church by his bandmates from The Wanted. As it entered the church, “Champaigne Supernova” by Oasis was played.
As well as those mourning in person, fans also paid tribute to the singer on social media.
One wrote: “Is there anything sadder, than seeing young men carrying a young man’s coffin? Bless you, Tom Parker. Your friends carried you home, with pride. My heart aches for your wife and young children. Peace.”
“I won’t, I won’t let your memory go cause your colours they burn so bright,” wrote another fan, quoting The Wanted’s song “Gold Forever”.
“Rest easy Tom Tom,” they added. “Life just isn’t fair, I can’t wrap my head around it but you’re at peace now. Tom Parker forever.”
ITV reporter Sam Holder tweeted: “The sun is very much shining down on Tom today. An inspiration to so many, not just fans of his music.”
Parker found fame in 2009 as a member of boyband The Wanted alongside Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaren, Max George and Jay McGuinness.
The group released three albums and 12 UK top 20 singles including “All Time Low” and “Glad You Came” before splitting in 2014.
In September, the band announced that they were reuniting seven years after splitting and releasing a greatest hits album titled Most Wanted, as well as performing at a charity concert.
Instead of flowers and cards, Kelsey Parker created a GoFundMe page to “keep Tom’s memory alive forever” via donations to charitable causes.
The page exceeded its £5,000 target within the first 12 hours and, at the time of writing, has received more than £54,000 in donations.