PEOPLE & HISTORY

What were the two requests Rita Wilson made to Tom Hanks when she was diagnosed with breast cancer?

Last updated:

Rita Wilson asked Tom Hanks to be sad for a very long time if she died first, and to throw her a celebration-of-life party with stories and joy.

Continue in Reels Listen and swipe through more answers in People & History
Cancer diagnosisRita Wilson was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2015
Medical treatmentShe underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery
Milestone achievedWilson marked 10 years cancer-free in March 2025
Song inspirationHer two requests inspired the 2019 track 'Throw Me a Party' written with Liz Rose and Kristian Bush
Public revelationWilson shared these requests during a conversation with Demi Moore at the Sounds of a Woman event in New York City on April 28

The Two Requests

Rita Wilson made two specific requests to Tom Hanks early in her cancer battle. First, she asked that if something happened and she died, he should be sad for a very, very long time. Second, she requested that he throw her a party. Wilson explained she wanted it to be a celebration of life focused on people telling stories, joy, and remembering her in that positive way.

Cancer Journey and Recovery

Wilson was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2015. Last year, she marked 10 years of being cancer-free, celebrating the milestone with gratitude for her doctors, friends, and family. She described the journey as an emotional rollercoaster, comparing it to a hamster wheel, but acknowledged reaching a point of deep gratitude.

Creative Inspiration

Wilson's heartfelt requests to Tom Hanks inspired her 2019 track 'Throw Me a Party,' which she wrote with Liz Rose and Kristian Bush following her diagnosis. The song emerged from her reflections on uncertainty after receiving her cancer diagnosis and her hope for survival and celebration.

Sources

  1. Rita Wilson Shares Heartbreaking Requests She Had for Tom Hanks During Her Cancer Battle (eonline.com)
  2. 19 Vintage Photos of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's Early Years Together (uk.news.yahoo.com)

Related Questions