Wife holds 'living funeral' to celebrate terminally-ill husband and it's breaking people's hearts

Sometimes, we wait too long to tell people how much they mean to us. It’s often not until it’s too late that we realize how important those words can be. But Tanner Martin and Shay Wright shared an unforgettable experience that unconventionally celebrates life and love. In a video shared on their TikTok account (@tannerandshay), the couple organized what they called a "living funeral." This was a celebration of Tanner, who is living with Stage 4 colon cancer, and his life while he is still present, allowing him to hear firsthand how much he means to those around him.

The video starts with Tanner stepping out of a limousine in a sharp suit, beaming with excitement. The caption reads, “Having a living funeral while my husband is still here.” His wife, Shay, joins him on the red carpet. Friends and family cheer as they walk down the path with over 200 people attending the event. The celebration continued at a thoughtfully decorated venue, where Tanner’s life was commemorated in a personal and meaningful way.

A projector displayed a video showcasing significant moments and milestones from his journey, offering a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped him over the years. They also set up a table with a variety of mementos, photos, and keepsakes, each item telling a part of Tanner’s unique story. Among the displayed items were blue boxing gloves, a jacket adorned with patches, and handwritten notes from friends and family, all reflecting the lasting impact Tanner has had on those around him. The event was made even more special by the support of Tanner’s friends, family, and community. From the venue to the memorabilia, everything was generously donated, adding a personal touch to the celebration. The couple even got their pictures clicked at the end of the event. 

According to People, "Tanner was just 25 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in November 2020 and was told in February 2023 that his cancer was no longer curable. Doctors estimated that he would have two to five years left." The couple has gone viral on TikTok since they began documenting Tanner's cancer journey, the publication added. 

Their "living funeral" video on TikTok amassed over 5.3 million views. This overwhelmingly beautiful gesture was celebrated and appreciated by many viewers online, who expressed their admiration for the couple. @lynnadamsdunn remarked, "How beautiful and immensely sad all at the same time." @10384729103847_ shared, "'What’s the point of getting people together to say nice things about you if you’re not there to hear them?' I love this idea - tell them how much they mean to you before they go." @pixie_uk said, "I think there should be more living funerals. What a lovely celebration for Tanner, that he actively attended and enjoyed! Also, the mountain view!!"

@akcetsta expressed, "Ahhh imagine being able to see how loved you were. We need more living funerals." The emotional depth of the event also led many to connect it to similar experiences. @comptonasstara shared, "My classmate was dying from cancer & she wasn’t going to make it to prom so my school threw her an extravagant, beautiful prom of her own and I’m so glad she got to experience that before her passing." @jessx503 added, "My sister had terminal cancer and chose doctor-assisted passing. On her final day, she had the biggest party ever, wore her tiara with all her best friends, sang her favorite songs, and one final cheers." @itsjustmebrie commented, "I’m sobbing bc the whole time during my dad’s memorial I kept thinking, 'he would have LOVED to be here' surrounded by his favorite people hearing stories about the favorite memories they shared with him."

You can follow Tanner and Shay (@tannerandshay) on TikTok to witness their journey.