Hayley Williams Addresses Death of Ex-Husband and New Found Glory Member Chad Gilbert

Hayley Williams shared a statement addressing the death of her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, three days after the announcement that he died at the age of 45 following a battle with brain cancer.

In a typed message posted to her Instagram Story on Wednesday (Sept. 23), the Paramore frontwoman began by stating, “Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate.”

“But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” she continued. “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer.”

Williams praised Gilbert for his contributions to the musical world of their youth, adding that his influence and attitude guided the genre forward.

“His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me,” she added. “I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.”

Williams concluded by sending love to Gilbert’s family, New Found Glory family, and friends.

After dating since 2008, Williams and Gilbert married in 2016. They announced their separation the following year, stating at the time that they remained close friends who were good in each other’s eyes.

Gilbert later married Lisa Cimorelli, who broke the news of his death on Sunday (Sept. 20) alongside his New Found Glory bandmates on social media. “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” they wrote in a joint statement. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished.”

The announcement noted that Gilbert, who shared daughter Lily with Cimorelli, considered being a father his greatest accomplishment. “His biggest dreams came true,” the statement added.