The 33-year-old singer died on Wednesday surrounded by his family and teammates, 17 months after being diagnosed with an unoperable brain tumor. George paid tribute for the first time since the death of his colleague, as he shared a series of photos on Instagram showing them hugging and hugging. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 Tom Parker speaking to Sky News in 2021 He wrote: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my partner, my best friend. You have enlightened so many lives around the world, but I can only speak for myself. “From the moment I met you, I knew this would be a special chapter in my life. I was right. “We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things. I’m so proud of what we achieved as comrades and brothers.” “Thank you for choosing me as your friend” George also mentioned Parker’s wife, Kelsey, whom he married in 2018 and they have two young children, Bodie and Aurelia Rose. “I’m also proud to have been there the night you met Kels,” George said. I remember telling you, “You like it, don’t you?” … to which you replied, “Brother, as if you did not believe it.” You two are really like peas and carrots. “Thank you for choosing me as your friend. It was an honor from day one. I am so grateful that I was with you until the end. “The courage and dignity I saw in recent months surpassed the lion I already knew you were. “The huge hole left in my life now will be there forever, but I know that your spirit will continue to live through your two beautiful babies, your wonderful wife, our music, your fans and my heart. ». George went on to say that he was “hurt beyond words” and could not have imagined life without Parker. He added: “But whatever I do next, even in my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the scene with Tom Parker.’ “I will miss you so much. I love you dude. Always. George.” Read more: The pop star who used his last few months to help others Picture: Tom (left) with the rest of the team in 2013 Despite his illness, Parker still played with his teammates on the return tour in the weeks before his death. Along with George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuiness also shared their tributes to Parker on social media. Sykes described Parker as “the most passionate, funny, dynamic and inspiring person you would ever meet.” Kaneswaran wrote: “Thank you for letting us see you illuminate the world.” Kelsey’s widow said their family’s hearts were “cracked” and recalled the “infectious smile and active presence of the singer”.
