Max George, the lead singer of the British-Irish boy band The Wanted, has been hospitalized with heart “issues” two years after the death of his bandmate Tom Parker.
“Yesterday I felt really unwell and was taken in to hospital. Unfortunately after some tests they’ve found that I have some issues with my heart,” George announced on Instagram Thursday as he shared a selfie showing him flashing a cheerful thumbs up from the hospital bed.
“I have a lot more tests to determine the extent of the problems and what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet.”
While George, 36, said he knows the upcoming weeks and months will be “difficult,” he noted that he is “100% in the best place” thanks to his partner, Maisie Smith, and his loved ones.
“Although this is a huge shock and no doubt a set back, it’s something I’ll take on with all I’ve got!” he went on. “I count myself very lucky that this was caught when it was.”
The singer also confirmed that he will share updates with fans as he gets them — especially because he expects to be bedridden for at least a month.
The musician’s fans and friends, including his bandmate Siva Kaneswaran, wished George well in the comments section.
“Here for you brother. Rest up and get well soon ❤️,” Kaneswaran commented on the post.
Page Six has reached out to reps for The Wanted 2.0 for comment.
George’s hospitalization comes two years after fellow The Wanted member Tom Parker died from brain cancer at age 33.
The singer’s wife, Kelsey Parker, announced his passing in March 2022. He originally revealed he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in October 2020.
He left behind daughter Aurelia and son Bodhi.
After Tom’s death, George shared a touching tribute to him on Instagram.
“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life. I was right. We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things,” he wrote in a lengthy post.
“Thank you for choosing me as your friend. It was an honour from day one,” George continued.
“I’m so grateful I was with you until the very end. The courage and dignity I have witnessed over the last few months surpassed the lion I already knew you were.”
He concluded, “I’m heartbroken beyond words right now and I cannot even begin to imagine what the future holds without you, but whatever I do going forward, even on my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the stage with Tom Parker.’”
