E.A. Hanks Shares Heartfelt Bond with Rita Wilson, Describing Her as ‘My Other Mother’ (Exclusive)
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E.A. Hanks, the daughter of Hollywood star Tom Hanks and his former wife Susan Dillingham, has opened up about her close relationship with her father’s wife, Rita Wilson, whom she lovingly refers to as ‘My Other Mother.’ In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of the release of her memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, E.A. fondly expresses her deep connection with Wilson, who has been a significant figure in her life since a young age.
Reflecting on her upbringing, E.A. reveals, “When I say my parents, I really mean my dad and Rita, because they’ve been together since before I can really remember. They’ve been together since I was 4 or 5.” This sentiment clearly highlights the integral role that Wilson has played in E.A.’s life, shaping her understanding of family and relationships.
The bond between Wilson and the Hanks family goes back to the early 1980s when Wilson and Tom Hanks first crossed paths on the set of ABC’s sitcom *Bosom Buddies*. Despite initial circumstances, including Tom Hanks still being married to Dillingham at the time, Wilson and Hanks eventually formed a lasting partnership. This union brought forth a blended family dynamic, with E.A. and her brother Colin from Hanks’ previous marriage, along with the two children they share together, Chet and Truman.
Tragically, Dillingham passed away from lung cancer in 2002, leaving a significant void in the family. E.A. acknowledges the unique position she finds herself in, having grown up in the loving care of not just one but two maternal figures. She shares, “Rita’s not really a stepmother, she’s my other mother.” This distinction underlines the depth of the relationship E.A. shares with Wilson, stemming from years of shared experiences and mutual support.
The familial bonds and sense of togetherness are further emphasised in E.A.’s reflections on her younger brothers, Chet and Truman. Despite the technicality of them being half-siblings, E.A. explains, “I don’t think I’ve ever really referred to them as my half brothers, because they were so young when I moved in with them.” The seamless integration of the siblings into a cohesive unit showcases the strength of their family connection and their journey towards individual growth and identity.
*The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road* delves into E.A.’s personal quest to explore her roots during a transformative road trip along Interstate 10. This journey serves as a backdrop to unravel her intricate family history and navigate the complexities of her past. Through this introspective narrative, E.A. invites readers to join her on a poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery.
As E.A. Hanks’ heartfelt story unfolds in her memoir, it illuminates the power of love and resilience within a modern family dynamic. Her candid reflections on the meaningful relationships in her life, particularly with Rita Wilson, offer a touching glimpse into the profound impact of familial bonds. *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road* is now available for readers to delve into a heartfelt narrative that transcends generations and resonates with the enduring essence of family ties.