Who is Catherine Parr from The Wives of Henry VIII and what is their importance?

Although twice widowed, Catherine Parr was still a young woman when she began an affair with Thomas Seymour. During this affair, King Henry became aware of Catherine and began to court her. Over time, Catherine decided against marrying Thomas Seymour and elected to become the Queen of England. As King Henry's wife, Catherine was the first of Henry's wives who was not expected to provide a male heir. Her job was to tend to the ailing king. During their marriage, Catherine befriended each of Henry's children and became a mother figure to them all. Catherine was not present when the Henry VIII died.