Shay Martin Reveals the One Heartfelt Condition Her Husband Tanner Left Behind If She Ever Chooses to Remarry After His Death
There are moments in life that feel too heavy for words, and yet, when shared, they become a bridge for others to find comfort. That’s exactly what Shay Martin did when she recently opened up about her late husband Tanner’s final request before he passed away. Tanner, a beloved content creator who spent five years battling colorectal cancer after being diagnosed at just 25, left behind more than memories—he left behind love, guidance, and one simple condition for his wife if she ever chooses to find happiness with someone else.
In June, the world learned of Tanner’s passing through a prerecorded video he had created himself. It was a message that was both heartbreaking and courageous, as he spoke his truth and left his followers with one last glimpse of his humor, kindness, and honesty. He and Shay had shared so much of their journey online, offering people around the world an intimate view of what it means to fight for life, love, and family even in the darkest of times.
This week, Shay appeared on The Unplanned Podcast and spoke through tears as she remembered the conversations she had with Tanner before he passed. Facing death at such a young age brings forward questions most couples don’t want to consider, but Tanner was determined to ease Shay’s worries about what life might look like for her after he was gone. With the kind of strength that only comes from deep love, he told her that if she ever did decide to remarry, his only condition was that her future husband must love their children as much as he did.
It’s such a simple request, yet it carries the weight of Tanner’s entire heart. For Tanner, being a father wasn’t just a role—it was a joy, a purpose, and the brightest part of his life. Shay recalled how he would look at their children with pride, even on his hardest days, and how much of his fight against cancer was driven by wanting to be present for their milestones. His condition wasn’t about jealousy or control—it was about ensuring that his children would always feel loved, protected, and cherished.
Shay’s honesty about this private conversation resonated with so many people because it shows the raw, human side of grief and love. Losing Tanner was already a tragedy, but hearing the depth of his care for his family even in his final days adds another layer of tenderness to their story. For Shay, the road ahead is still filled with heartbreak, but she carries with her not only Tanner’s memory but his blessing to keep living, to keep loving, and to keep finding joy where she can.
What makes their story so powerful is the reminder that love doesn’t end with death. Tanner’s love continues to guide Shay and their family, shaping the way she will move forward when she’s ready. His condition wasn’t about limiting her future, but about making sure that the foundation they built together—centered on love for their children—will always remain intact.
As Shay continues to share pieces of her journey, she offers strength to others walking similar paths of loss and reminds us that grief and hope can exist side by side. Tanner’s story is a heartbreaking one, but it’s also a testament to how love can endure, even when life is cut tragically short. His final words and his one condition reveal the kind of man he was—a husband who adored his wife, a father who treasured his children, and a human being who wanted to leave the world with love at its center.
