‘Queer Eye’ star Tom Jackson died of cancer at 63

Queer Eye star Tom Jackson has passed away due to cancer at the age of 63.

Jackson’s family shared that the beloved father and grandfather died after losing a battle with metastatic adenocarcinoma on March 2, 2023.

The official Instagram account of Netflix’s Queer Eye confirmed the harrowing news, “it’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson.”

Jackson became a fan favorite after he appeared in the premiere episode of You Can’t Fix Ugly the reboot show. The show also showed him reconciling with his ex-wife Abby Parr. They went on to tie the knot after the episode but ultimately made the decision to go through a divorce in 2019.

Jackson, born Thomas Leon Jackson, was born to his mother Sue Ann Ransdell Jackson, and his father Thomas Jackson in Ashland, Kentucky on December 20, 1959.

After working for Federal Express and retiring, he started a new career as a dump truck driver for Taylor Transport in Cartersville, Georgia. The highlight of his life was being cast on the Netflix TV show Queer Eye.

In the obituaries, the family went on to thank the “Kennestone Hospital nursing staff, the Trauma Team, the Respiratory Care Team, and each person at Kennestone Hospital who contributed to Tom's treatment and comfort during his final days.”

The family obituary continued, “We will never forget our beloved Tom. He brought joy, humor, persistence, and love to our family. He is special to us, and we look forward to seeing him again one day.”

He is survived by his daughter Katie (R.J.) Phelps, two cherished grandsons Chandler and Watson Phelps, sisters Kozetta (Jeff) Stewart and Jackie Lynn Childers.