Los Angeles: Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has spoken publicly following the death of her former husband, Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of New Found Glory.
Gilbert died at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who said he passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20 surrounded by family and friends.
Several days after his death, Williams addressed the loss in a message shared on her Instagram Stories.
Hayley Williams Addresses Chad Gilbert’s Death
Williams acknowledged that she had struggled with whether to say anything publicly after Gilbert’s passing.
She wrote that she had not known what to say or “if it’s appropriate,” but explained why she ultimately decided to speak about her former husband’s death.
Williams reflected on the significance of the relationships people form throughout their lives, writing that “life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite.”
Her message marked her first public response following Gilbert’s death.
Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert Were Previously Married
Williams and Gilbert had a relationship that lasted several years before their marriage.
The pair became engaged in 2014 and married in 2016. They separated in 2017, bringing their marriage to an end.
Gilbert was a founding member of New Found Glory, while Williams rose to international prominence as the lead vocalist of Paramore.
Although their marriage ended years ago, their shared history remained part of both musicians’ personal stories.
Chad Gilbert’s Death Was Confirmed by His Family
Gilbert died on September 20 at the age of 45. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and New Found Glory confirmed the news in a joint statement.
The statement said Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep with family and friends around him. His wife and mother were by his side during his final moments.
His family did not publicly give a specific cause of death. Gilbert had, however, spoken openly about his cancer battle and serious health complications in recent years.
In early 2026, Gilbert discussed his health with People, revealing that doctors had discovered three brain tumors and that he had been diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma after previously receiving treatment for a rare adrenal cancer.
Gilbert’s Legacy With New Found Glory
Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in Florida in 1997 alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, guitarist Steve Klein and drummer Joe Marino, who was later replaced by Cyrus Bolooki.
He remained with the band throughout its recording career, playing on albums beginning with the 1999 debut Nothing Gold Can Stay and continuing through the band’s 2026 album Listen Up!.
New Found Glory became one of the prominent names of the pop-punk movement, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The band’s 2002 album Sticks and Stones helped establish its mainstream profile, with “My Friends Over You” becoming one of its most recognizable songs.
Gilbert also performed with Shai Hulud and the New Found Glory side project International Superheroes of Hardcore.
Hayley Williams’ Message Comes After Tributes to Gilbert
Gilbert’s death has prompted tributes from people connected to his nearly three-decade career in punk and alternative music.
Williams’ message adds a personal perspective from someone who shared an important period of Gilbert’s life, while her wording also acknowledges the complexity of discussing the death of a former spouse publicly.
For now, Williams has kept her comments brief, choosing to reflect on the significance of the paths people cross rather than discuss the details of their past relationship.
Chad Gilbert was 45.
