Rita Wilson details emotional wishes for Tom Hanks during breast cancer fight

Rita Wilson has opened up about the deeply personal conversations she had with husband Tom Hanks during her 2015 breast cancer battle, revealing two blunt emotional requests she made in case she did not survive.

Speaking at a 92NY event on April 28 while promoting her upcoming album Sound of a Woman, the 69-year-old reflected on how her diagnosis reshaped her outlook on life, marriage, and mortality.

Wilson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. 

She has since spoken publicly about how the experience strengthened her perspective on health and legacy.

During the discussion, Wilson shared that she had an honest conversation with Hanks about what she would want if her condition became fatal. “I said to Tom, I’m like, ‘OK, if something happens and I go first, I just have two requests,’” she recalled.

Her first request was emotional and straightforward: she wanted him to grieve openly and for a long time.

“I want you to be sad for a very, very long time,” she said, describing the depth of feeling behind the moment.

Her second request, however, was more celebratory in nature. Wilson said she wanted her life to be honored not with sorrow alone, but with joy.

“I want it to be a celebration of life,” she explained, adding that she envisioned loved ones sharing stories and remembering her through happiness rather than only grief.

Wilson said many people share similar wishes when reflecting on mortality, emphasizing that there is space for both mourning and celebration in how lives are remembered.