Rita Wilson is opening up about a deeply personal moment in her life—and the meaningful conversation she had with husband Tom Hanks following her breast cancer diagnosis.
Speaking at the Sound of a Woman: Rita Wilson in Conversation with Demi Moore event at 92NY on Tuesday, April 28, Wilson reflected on the perspective she gained after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
Wilson Opened Up About What She Wanted if She Passed
During the discussion, she revealed the two heartfelt requests she made to Hanks while facing uncertainty about her future, according to People.
“But I said to Tom, I’m like, ‘Okay, if, if something happens and I go first, I just have two requests. And one is that you should be sad for a very, very long time,’ ” she shared.
Wilson continued, “The second one was throw me a party. I want it to be a celebration of life. I want it to be about people telling stories and joy and, remembering me in that way. And I think people, a lot of people want that, you know? I think there’s room for that.”
The emotional sentiment later inspired her 2019 song “Throw Me a Party,” which she wrote alongside Liz Rose and Kristian Bush.
Reflecting on how the track came to life, Wilson explained, “The song … it came out of this, this story I’ve told before, but if you haven’t heard it, it was, when you get the diagnosis and you’re like, ‘I don’t know, I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I hope I’m still here, you know, in a few years.’ ”
Wilson underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after doctors discovered “invasive” cancer.
Wilson Celebrated 10 Years in 2025
Now, more than a decade later, she’s celebrating a major milestone in her recovery.
On March 31, 2025, Wilson marked 10 years cancer-free in a heartfelt Instagram video.
“It’s a celebration for me. March 31st marks 10 years of being cancer-free,” she said. “10 years. And I am so deeply grateful.”
She added, “I’m so thankful to my doctors. To my friends, to my family. The gratitude is overwhelming. Didn’t always feel this way. And you know that, anybody who’s going through [it, or] who’s survived knows that it’s an up and down, like, hamster wheel. But then you get to this point.”
Though she admitted she doesn’t often revisit her health journey publicly, Wilson said she felt compelled to share the milestone. “I think it’s important to celebrate good news,” she noted, before adding, “I am thinking of anybody out there who might be going through some difficulties. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Anyways, God bless you all.”
Hanks Has Supported Her Throughout
Throughout her experience, Wilson has credited Hanks for being a constant source of support.
Reflecting on their bond, she previously shared with the New York Times back in 2015, “You never know how your spouse is going to react in a situation like this. I was so amazed, so blown away by the care my husband gave me … who knew it would make you even closer?”
The couple, who married in 1988, have long been admired for their enduring relationship.
Wilson once recalled their first connection while appearing on “The Kelly Clarkson” show.”
One of the things, when we met, was that we just got along instantly,” she said. “First of all, I love a good storyteller… He makes me laugh all the time. He’s a great storyteller.”
From navigating serious health challenges to celebrating life’s milestones, Wilson’s reflections offer a powerful reminder of resilience, love and finding joy—even in life’s most uncertain moments.
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