Paramore star Hayley Williams pays emotional tribute to ex-husband after tragic death aged 45
On Sunday (20 September), Chad Gilbert’s family announced he had had ‘passed away peacefully in his sleep’ at the age of 45.
The guitarist was surrounded by friends and family with his ‘wife and mother by his side just as he wished’ following a battle with cancer.
And Hayley Williams, who split from Gilbert in 2017, paid tribute to him in an Instagram Story yesterday.
The Paramore star remembered the New Found Glory founding member as a ‘legend in the scene’ as she said her time ‘connected to him’ taught her a lot.
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The musicians were together for nearly 10 years and married in 2016 before splitting the following year. Following their divorce, the guitarist went on to marry Lisa Cimorelli in 2020 and welcomed daughter Lily in 2021.
That same year, Gilbert was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer and back in April spoke to PEOPLE about a recent stage four adrenocortical carcinoma.
And Cimorelli said it drastically worsened his prognosis despite previous treatments being effective.
While they did not disclose the cause, when announcing his death, his family said: “We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went.”
Williams said on Instagram Stories that she hadn’t known ‘what to say or if it’s appropriate’ as she spoke on Gilbert’s death.
“But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” the singer said.
“Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer.”
Williams continued: “There isn't much that hasn't already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me.
“I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.
“Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”
In the announcement of his death, his family reflected on how ‘beloved and cherished’ he was.
“He was a legendary musician, but his favourite accomplishment was being a husband and father,” they echoed. “His biggest dreams came true.”
Jess Battison