Hayley Williams pays tribute to ex-husband Chad Gilbert after death at 45
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has spoken publicly about the death of her former husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, in a typed message posted to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The message came three days after Gilbert's death was announced. Gilbert died at age 45 after a battle with brain cancer. His full name was Chad Everett Gilbert. He died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Sept. 20, surrounded by friends and family, with his wife and his mother by his side Billboard.
Williams, the lead singer and most visible member of Paramore, shared her note as text in the Stories format, posts that disappear after 24 hours. She said she had "not known what to say or if it's appropriate" after the news became public. She kept the statement short.
She described Gilbert as "indeed a legend in the scene" and said her time connected to him taught her a lot. She said he introduced her to people who continue to shape her life. She said he also introduced her to music and culture that made life richer.
She recognised what he contributed to the musical world. She said his influence and attitude guided the genre forward. She added that his passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with her.
She said she will forever be grateful that, through Gilbert, she gained a deeper understanding and reverence for the community and culture of hardcore. Hardcore is a fast, aggressive form of punk rock built around small venues and loyal, close-knit audiences. She closed her statement by sending love to Gilbert's family, "NFG fam" and all his friends.
Williams dated Gilbert since 2008. The pair married in 2016 and announced their separation the following year. Gilbert later married Lisa Cimorelli, who announced his death on Sunday, Sept. 20 jointly with his New Found Glory bandmates.
Gilbert was a founding member and founding guitarist of New Found Glory, where he also sang backing vocals Entertainment Weekly. He first publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2021. He shared daughter Lily with Cimorelli. He considered being a father his greatest accomplishment.
