Paramore singer Hayley Williams broke her silence Wednesday over the death of her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, who died Sunday of brain cancer at the age of 45, according to Us Weekly.
Williams, 37, shared a tribute on her Instagram Stories three days after Gilbert’s death, reflecting on their shared history and its influence on her life and career.
“I didn’t know what to say or if it was appropriate, but I’m sure now that I want to (because) life is about the paths we go through and the reasons we go through them are endless,” Williams wrote. “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene, and the time I spent with him taught me a lot.”
The musicians were together for a decade before tying the knot in 2016, Us Weekly noted. They divorced the following year. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, Williams credited Gilbert with introducing her to people, music and culture that continue to shape her artistic perspective.
Williams said his “influence and attitude guided the genre forward” and expressed gratitude for gaining “a deeper understanding and respect for the hardcore community and culture” through their relationship.
Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, 33, also released a statement regarding his death. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his last breath with his wife and mother by his side, as he wished,” Cimorelli wrote. She described her love as “superhuman” and vowed to preserve his legacy.
Gilbert is survived by Cimorelli, their daughter Lily, 5, his mother and his brother. Williams concluded his tribute by offering his condolences to Gilbert’s family, his New Found Glory bandmates and his friends. Williams is currently dating Taylor York, Us Weekly said.
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