Rita Wilson Shares Requests She Had for Tom Hanks During Cancer Battle

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Every now and then Rita Wilson recalls two special asks she had for her husband Tom Hanks. 

The actress from Now and Then, who had a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction in 2015 after being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, recently shared some early requests she made of her husband when she first learned of her illness.

Rita told Tom that if she were to die before him, she had two wishes. First, she wanted him to grieve for a long time. Second, she asked him to throw her a party, as she shared with Demi Moore at an event in New York City on April 28, according to People magazine.

She explained she wanted the event to be a joyful celebration of her life, filled with stories and happy memories. She felt many people would appreciate a remembrance focused on positivity and shared joy, and believed there was definitely space for that kind of tribute.

Interestingly, the requests actress Meg Ryan made of her husband, Tom, sparked the idea for her 2019 song, “Throw Me a Party.” She co-wrote the song with Liz Rose and Kristian Bush after receiving a diagnosis.

The song came from a story I’ve shared before,” Rita, 69, explained. “It’s about that feeling when you’re first diagnosed with something and you’re just unsure about the future, hoping you’ll still be around in a few years.”

Last year, Rita Hanks celebrated a decade of being cancer-free. She shares sons Chet, 35, and Truman, 30, with her husband Tom Hanks. Tom also has two children, Colin, 48, and Elizabeth, 43, with his late ex-wife, Samantha Lewes.

To mark the occasion, the Runaway Bride actress expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped her through a challenging period.

In a March 2025 Instagram video, Rita shared some joyful news: she’s been cancer-free for ten years. “It’s a celebration for me,” she said, adding, “I am so deeply grateful.”

She expressed deep gratitude for her doctors, friends, and family. She said the feeling of thankfulness was incredibly strong, something she hadn’t always experienced. Anyone who has gone through a difficult time or survived it understands it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but reaching this point feels significant.

For more stars who have opened up about their cancer journeys, read on…

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

Even after receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that his cancer was gone thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define them – they are more than their struggles. He explained that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries emotional wounds, he accepts them all, believing that acknowledging these challenges is the key to overcoming them.

The star of The Golden Bachelor announced in December 2024 that he has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for the condition, and that reality was incredibly difficult to accept. He described feeling completely crushed by the news and admitted he initially tried to deny it was happening.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She happily added that she was now cancer-free.

After treatment and a double mastectomy, the star of Up All Night received a clean bill of health, with doctors confirming she is cancer-free.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now in remission.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this, but Marcia Cross, like, Marcia Cross from Desperate Housewives, actually battled anal cancer! She told us all back in September 2018, and it was so brave of her. She posted this picture of herself and used the hashtags #cancer and #hairloss, and she said she felt… completely free! Like, finally herself! It was so inspiring to see her be so open and honest, I was honestly tearing up. She seemed so liberated, and it just made me love her even more.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment, and his representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors have declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, was treated for skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) for the third time in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has made a full recovery.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind his fans in the northern hemisphere to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen as summer approached.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

I was really shocked to see photos of my favorite chef with stitches – a line running right from under his ear down to his jaw! He explained that he’d actually had a procedure to take care of skin cancer, and thankfully he’s covering it up with a bandage now. It’s so brave of him to share that, and I’m wishing him a speedy recovery.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was very thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

I’ve always admired Cobie Smulders. It was so inspiring to learn she fought ovarian cancer at just 25, and then went on to have two beautiful children with her husband, Taran Killam. She’s a true warrior and an incredible inspiration!

A television personality announced he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars had successful surgery to remove thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the support! I’m home recovering and resting.”

I was absolutely thrilled to see my doctor’s call on Saturday morning – they told me I’m cancer-free! I immediately shared the incredible news online, and honestly, I just couldn’t contain my excitement. It felt amazing! #bestnews ever

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that she had a cancerous mole removed from her calf. She said her husband encouraged her to get it checked by a doctor because it looked concerning.

The man from Scotland is doing well and enjoying his hobby of trainspotting again after successfully having a cancerous mole removed from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having a cancerous growth removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outdoors.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven received a Hodgkin’s disease diagnosis at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The popular actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight how important regular checkups are and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in approximately 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America host bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming a battle with stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist went on to win an incredible seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a dedicated advocate for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, turned her experience with breast cancer into a funny and relatable show called God Said Ha! which became a Broadway hit.

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2026-04-29 16:18