Grab the Tissues! Rita Wilson Premieres Moving New Music Video ‘Throw Me a Party’
Wilson cowrote the song off her new album, Halfway to Home, after being diagnosed with breast cancer
By Julie Jordan
Rita Wilson believes “every day is a gift.”
With the upcoming release of her new album, Halfway to Home, the actress/singer, 62, is premiering the video for her moving ballad, “Throw Me a Party” exclusively on PEOPLE.
The song depicts Wilson’s emotional journey following her breast cancer diagnosis in April 2015. “Before I knew I would have an excellent prognosis, you hear those words, ‘I’m sorry, you have cancer’ and you just sink,” says Wilson, who has been married to actor Tom Hanks for almost 30 years.
“When we didn’t know how things would turn out, we had very deep and serious discussions about a lot of stuff. One of the things I told Tom was that If I should go before him, I wanted him to be sad for a very long time, and that I wanted a party, a celebration. I wanted music and my family and friends singing and dancing. I wanted fireworks and sparklers. There is a time for tears. And a time to celebrate.”
The video was directed by Patrick Tracy, who was recently nominated for CMT video of the year for Dan + Shay‘s hit song “Tequila.”
Wilson’s last album, Bigger Picture, released in 2018, “was very introspective and acoustic, so now I’m ready for some high energy fun!” she says. The singer named her latest album Halfway to Home “because we are always a work in progress, never quite there,” she adds. “You can be going along beautifully and someone can blindside you. So for the days that are good, be thankful for them. Even on the bad days, you can find something good.”
Now cancer-free for four years, Wilson has even more reason to celebrate. She’s also receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, with speeches by Hanks and close friend, Julia Roberts.
In the coming months, Wilson will be performing at music festivals including Stagecoach, Lake Shake and CMA Fest. She can also be seen costarring with Julianne Moore in the new film, Gloria Bell.
Her new music, “is for singing along at the top of your lungs and for celebrating life,” she adds. “Especially going on tour, I wanted songs that felt like the story of this album, which is a celebration of life and love. Look, I get to make music and am playing Stagecoach and touring this summer. What better way to celebrate good health, love and life?”
