Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Kelsey Parker says third pregnancy taught her 'how precious life is' before son was tragically 'born sleeping'

Kelsey Parker, pictured, announced her baby son was ‘born sleeping’ on Sunday - (PA)

Kelsey Parker spoke about how her third pregnancy helped her appreciate the fragility of life — a sentiment made even more poignant after she announced her son Phoenix was “born sleeping” just a week before her due date.

The podcaster, 34, shared the devastating news on Sunday, revealing she and her partner Will Lindsay had named their baby boy Phoenix.

In a statement posted to Instagram, she wrote that their son had been “born sleeping.”

Kelsey, who lost her husband Tom Parker to brain cancer in 2022, had previously said that carrying a new life after grief had shifted her perspective on what really matters.

Speaking to OK! Magazine earlier this year, she said: “I'm trying to enjoy this pregnancy more, because I think when you've been through something like I've been through, you realise how precious life is".

She added: “I know that sounds clichéd, but it's true. I just want to enjoy every moment of it with Will. When I fell pregnant with Aurelia, I thought I had my life set.

Parker pictured with boyfriend Will Lindsay (Instagram)

“I had the perfect life – I'd been with Tom since the age of 19 and had everything sorted. Then my world got flipped upside down and I think that teaches you how precious life is.”

The presenter is mum to daughter Aurelia, five, and son Bodhi, four, whom she shared with the late singer from boyband The Wanted. Tom Parker died in March 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Parker first revealed she was expecting her third child in January, her first with Lindsay, and on Sunday shared an Instagram post with the news that her son was “born sleeping”.

She shared a poem on Instagram, which began: “For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved,” with a caption: “Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved.”

After sharing the post, Parker also put up an Instagram story which read: “Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heart-felt well wishes, I want to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.

“But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news.

“I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space.

“Love always, Kelsey, Will and The Parker Family.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.