Preta Gil
pretagil/Instagram

Preta Gil, the celebrated Brazilian singer and daughter of music legend Gilberto Gil, has died in New York at the age of 50 following a two-year struggle with complications from bowel cancer. She had been receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center since May.

A Courageous Fight Against Cancer

Preta Gil's cancer journey began in 2023, when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Brazil. She underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, at first achieving remission. However, the cancer returned in 2024, spreading to her lymph nodes and peritoneum.

In search of further options, she moved to the United States to undergo experimental treatments, but sadly passed away on 20 July after a sudden deterioration in her health at an airport hospital while preparing to return home.

Her Story of Strength and Openness

Throughout her illness, Preta Gil spoke openly about her treatment, including major surgery and the use of a colostomy bag, which she championed as a tool to help patients overcome social stigma. Her transparency and courage inspired many, as she described both the physical and emotional challenges of living with cancer.

Even after the disease spread, she continued to share updates with fans, and in March 2025 was seen walking and recovering after surgery, at times semi-independent from her portable chemotherapy pump.

Receiving Care at Home and Abroad

After her initial treatment in Brazil, Preta opted for further advanced therapies in the US. She was admitted to Memorial Sloan Kettering in May 2025, but her health declined rapidly while in transit at an airport. She was hospitalised immediately and died soon after.

A Life Beyond the Stage

Born in Rio de Janeiro on 8 August 1974, Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira followed in the footsteps of her father, the renowned musician and former culture minister Gilberto Gil, and her mother, entrepreneur Sandra Gadelha.

Launching her music career in 2003 with the album Prêt-à-Porter, Preta went on to become an acclaimed singer, actress, and television presenter. In 2017, she also founded Mynd, a talent agency representing artists and influencers.

Preta Gil's influence extended beyond the arts. Her openness about her illness helped challenge taboos around cancer and ostomy, giving courage to countless patients and their families.

A Voice That Resonated Across Brazil

Her candid reflections on mortality, spirituality and family resonated deeply with the Brazilian public. Preta often spoke of drawing strength from her faith and her conversations with her father, who advised her to accept her fate if necessary, while always urging her to keep fighting. Her public presence during treatment, from sharing her journey on social media to returning to the stage, became a symbol of dignity and resilience.

Tributes from Across Brazil and Beyond

News of Preta Gil's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, cultural figures and sports clubs such as Flamengo and Palmeiras, highlighting her reach far beyond music. Friends reportedly visited her in New York during her final days, and her father confirmed her death on social media, requesting privacy for the family and announcing plans for her repatriation.

Legacy and What Comes Next

Plans are under way for memorials in Brazil, with Preta's body to be returned home for burial. Details of public services and commemorations will be released in the coming days.

Preta Gil's legacy as an artist, activist and beacon of openness continues to spark dialogue about cancer awareness, early screening and patient dignity. Her courage, honesty and advocacy will be remembered long after her final song.

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