Hayley Williams Speaks Out on Chad Gilbert's Death After Admitting She Wasn't Sure It Was 'Appropriate'

Paramore singer Hayley Williams has spoken publicly following the death of her former husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, three days after his death at 45. Williams said she had initially been unsure whether it was appropriate to comment before deciding to reflect on his influence on the music scene they shared.

Gilbert died on Sunday, 20 September, following a prolonged battle with cancer. His death was announced by New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who said he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends, with Cimorelli and his mother by his side.

Williams shared her tribute on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, 23 September. She wrote that she had 'not known what to say or if it's appropriate' before deciding to speak, saying she wanted to recognise the people, music and culture she came to know through Gilbert.

Williams Reflects On Gilbert's Musical Influence

Williams described Gilbert as a major figure in the scene and said her time connected to him gave her a deeper understanding of the hardcore community and culture.

She credited him with introducing her to people who continued to shape her life, as well as music and cultural experiences that enriched it. Williams also recognised his contribution to the musical world they had both grown up in, saying his influence helped move the genre forward and that his passion for building its community had stayed with her.

'I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore,' she wrote.

Williams ended the tribute by expressing her love and sympathy for Gilbert's family, New Found Glory and his friends.

Williams and Gilbert's Relationship

Williams and Gilbert began dating in 2008 before marrying in 2016. They divorced the following year.

Gilbert was a founding member, guitarist and backing vocalist for New Found Glory, which formed in 1997. He also performed with Shai Hulud and International Superheroes of Hardcore. New Found Glory released its latest album, Listen Up!, in 2026.

Williams' tribute did not address the circumstances of their marriage or divorce. Instead, she focused on Gilbert's influence on the music community and what she learned through their connection.

Gilbert's Cancer Battle and Career

Gilbert had been battling cancer since 2021, with People reporting that his illness included metastatic pheochromocytoma before developing into adrenocortical carcinoma. In February 2026, he underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three brain tumours following a collapse at home.

Despite his health problems, Gilbert returned to the stage in June, performing with New Found Glory in Nashville several months after his brain surgery. People reported that it was his first performance since the operation and that he played from a motorised scooter.

New Found Glory and Cimorelli did not disclose a specific cause of death. Their announcement said Gilbert considered being a husband and father his greatest achievement. He is survived by Cimorelli, their daughter Lily, his mother and brother.

Williams' tribute came three days after Gilbert's death, with her comments centred on the musical community he helped shape and the influence their connection had on her life.