Hayley Williams pays tribute to ex-husband Chad Gilbert after his death at 45

Hayley Williams has paid tribute to her ex-husband Chad Gilbert following his death from brain cancer.

Gilbert was a founding member and lead guitarist of New Found Glory, as well as a backing vocalist for the band, according to Variety. He died at age 45. He first revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2021, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Williams, the frontwoman of Paramore, shared her statement in an Instagram story, as reported by Rolling Stone on 23 September. In it, she described Gilbert as a legend in the scene. She said her time connected to him taught her a lot.

She said Gilbert introduced her to people who continue to shape her life. She also credited him with introducing her to music and culture that made life richer.

Williams said Gilbert’s influence and attitude guided the genre forward. She said his passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with her.

She said she will always be grateful to him for giving her a deeper understanding and reverence for the community and culture of hardcore, the fast and aggressive offshoot of punk. She closed by sending love and sympathies to Gilbert’s family, friends and “NFG fam”.

Williams and Gilbert were in a relationship from 2007 to 2017. They married in February 2016 and announced their separation in July 2017.