The Real Reason Rita Wilson Says Cancer Was 'A Blessing'

It's been a tough few weeks for Rita Wilson and her husband, otherwise known as America's Sweetheart, Tom Hanks. The couple tested positive for coronavirus and were quarantined together in Australia, where Hanks was shooting a movie at the time. According to USA Today, they've since mostly recovered and returned to the U.S., but it was no doubt a trying and frustrating time for the long-time couple.

However, these things are often sent to test us, as Wilson herself often argues as a survivor of breast cancer. The multi-talented singer-songwriter, actress, and Hollywood legend has been open about her struggles in the past, and she's determined to continue to spread positivity wherever she goes — even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Prior to testing positive for coronavirus, Wilson recorded an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where she also performed her song, "Throw Me a Party." The ditty was reportedly inspired by Wilson's battle with breast cancer. Speaking to Clarkson on the show about her initial diagnosis, she admitted, "You hear the words that you never ever think you're going to hear or ever want to hear which is that you have cancer." However, as Wilson sees it, "I'm a survivor sitting here today talking to you."

Not knowing what was going to happen led to some uncomfortable discussions with Hanks, with whom she's appeared on-screen on several occasions over the years. "I said to him, 'Look, if something happens and I should go before you, then I just want you to know that there's a couple things that I want. One is that I want you to be super sad for a really long time,'" she quipped.

Otherwise, Wilson envisaged a celebration of her life, which is where "Throw Me a Party" came from. Now, she can perform the song exactly as it was intended; as a celebration, but for Wilson's life rather than her passing. In fact, she's so grateful to still be around Wilson considers her cancer a stroke of luck.

"In some ways cancer was a blessing," she admitted to Clarkson, explaining, "It really taught me to live every moment to the fullest and every moment as if it was your last. We don't know what tomorrow brings. We have to be able to live and go out today going wow, okay, I did it. I did everything that I wanted to do. I lived the life that I wanted to live today."

A couple weeks back marked the five-year anniversary of Wilson being declared cancer free. She took to Instagram to share a message of hope, writing, "I am so thankful for my health, for the doctors, nurses, friends and family who got me through that time," alongside a photo of her with fellow actor Larry David, whom she worked with on Broadway.