Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams published a heartfelt statement on her Instagram Stories, breaking her silence regarding the death of her former husband and New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. Gilbert passed away at age 45 after a prolonged and courageous battle with rare adrenal cancer and subsequent brain tumors. The public message marks her first formal acknowledgement of the loss, resonating deeply across the alternative music community.

Hayley Williams Shares Emotional Tribute Following Chad Gilbert Passing

Addressing her followers and fans on social media, Williams opened up about the complex emotions surrounding the death of someone who played such a pivotal role in her formative years and artistic journey. Her statement offered a window into the deep respect she maintained for her ex-husband long after their separation.

Inside the Instagram Statement

• Williams admitted her initial hesitation in finding the right words to address the tragedy publicly.
• She highlighted the profound nature of their past connection and the paths that brought them together during their formative years.
• The singer emphasized permanent gratitude for the music, culture, and deep friendships introduced to her during their relationship.

Honoring a Pop-Punk Pioneer

Beyond their personal history, Williams acknowledged Gilbert’s monumental impact on the independent music scene. As the founding guitarist and primary songwriter of New Found Glory, Gilbert shaped the sound and ethos of pop-punk and hardcore music for nearly three decades. His creative vision pushed boundaries, guiding the alternative genre forward during its most influential developmental years.

Williams acknowledged that Gilbert’s influence and attitude guided the punk genre forward during its most crucial developmental years. She expressed permanent gratitude for gaining a deeper understanding and reverence for hardcore culture through her connection with him. The singer credited Gilbert with introducing her to foundational circles of friends and artists who continue to anchor her personal life.

A Look Back at Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert Relationship

The connection between Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert defined a major era of 2000s rock culture. As two of the most prominent figures in alternative music, their romance began in 2008 and quickly made them one of the most recognizable power couples in the industry.

From Romance to Marriage

• The couple became engaged in 2014 after years of supporting each other’s respective musical careers.
• They celebrated their wedding in February 2016, surrounded by family, friends, and peers from the punk rock community.
• The marriage was ultimately short-lived, with the pair announcing their separation in July 2017 after noting that maintaining the relationship required a resilience they could not sustain together.

Navigating the Fallout and Healing

Following their divorce later that year, Williams maintained transparency regarding the heavy toll the separation took on her mental health. She openly discussed experiencing severe depression and seeking inpatient treatment. Her emotional processing of the marriage and its subsequent fallout also leaked directly into her art, most notably on her 2020 solo track Dead Horse, which provided raw insight into the complexities of their shared history.

Chad Gilbert Health Battle and Final Months

Chad Gilbert faced severe, escalating health challenges during the final years of his life, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout his medical journey.

The Initial Cancer Diagnosis

• In 2021, Gilbert was found unconscious at home, leading to the discovery of a large adrenal gland tumor diagnosed as pheochromocytoma, which had spread to his liver.
• He underwent emergency surgery to remove the growth, along with portions of his liver and gallbladder.
• Despite initial optimism, the aggressive disease returned in August 2022, requiring a complex spinal operation and grueling chemotherapy treatments by 2023.

The Final Performances and Passing

Medical hurdles intensified in February 2026 when Gilbert experienced difficulty controlling his left hand while performing in Nashville. Scans revealed three new brain tumors. Following urgent brain surgery, Gilbert made a triumphant, emotional return to the stage in June 2026, performing in a wheelchair. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, surrounded by the profound love of his family, his wife Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates.

The Alternative Music Community Reacts

Tributes continue to pour in from across the rock landscape, cementing Gilbert’s legacy as a foundational architect of modern pop-punk. A joint statement released by his wife Lisa and his New Found Glory bandmates highlighted the immense outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists who crowded the hospital lobby during his final hours.

A Legacy Beyond the Stage

While Gilbert authored more than a dozen influential albums and helped shape the identity of alternative rock, his loved ones emphasized that his greatest pride in life was being a dedicated husband and a loving father to his young daughter, Lily. His enduring impact on the independent music ecosystem ensures his memory remains firmly woven into the culture he helped build.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Hayley Williams release her statement about Chad Gilbert?

Hayley Williams published her statement on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, three days after the passing of her ex-husband.

What was Chad Gilbert cause of death?

Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, following a multi-year battle with a rare adrenal gland cancer called pheochromocytoma and subsequent brain tumors.

Were Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert still married at the time of his passing?

No. Williams and Gilbert married in 2016 after dating for nearly a decade, but they separated in 2017 and finalized their divorce later that same year. Gilbert later married Lisa Cimorelli in 2020.

What band was Chad Gilbert famous for?

Chad Gilbert was best known as the founding guitarist, primary songwriter, and driving creative force behind the influential pop-punk band New Found Glory.