Sir Tom Jones, 86, reveals pneumonia scare: “I thought this was it”

6th November 2026

Updated 6 Nov 2026, 14:35 · First published 6 Nov 2026

Sir Tom Jones has revealed he was so ill with pneumonia that he “thought this was it”. The 86-year-old Welsh singer spent a week in hospital in Los Angeles, including two days in intensive care, before getting back on stage to carry on his tour.

What happened to Tom Jones?

The star was taken to UCLA hospital with pneumonia during the American leg of his Come Gather Round tour. He told the audience that for a while he did not know if he would pull through, and that he spent two days in the intensive care unit. Some shows had to be postponed while he recovered.

Tom Jones at a glance

Age86, born in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1940

IllnessPneumonia, a week in hospital, 2 days in ICU

TourCome Gather Round, about 20 of 25 dates now played

Biggest hitsIt’s Not Unusual, Delilah, She’s a Lady, Sex Bomb

Back on stage in Los Angeles

Sir Tom made his comeback at the famous open-air Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, where fans gave him a standing ovation. He thanked the doctors and nurses who looked after him and said singing again felt like the best medicine. He has always said he never wants to retire, and he still performs a mix of his classic hits and songs from his recent albums.

A career spanning more than 60 years

Tom Jones had his first number one, It’s Not Unusual, in 1965. He went on to have his own TV show, sell more than 100 million records and become one of the most famous voices in the world. Younger fans know him as a coach on The Voice UK, which he has been part of since 2012. He was knighted in 2006.

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