Preta Gil 50 Passes Away in US After Battle with Rectal Cancer
Brazilian singer and activist Preta Gil daughter of Gilberto Gil died at age 50 on July 20 2025 in New York during advanced cancer treatment A trailblazer in music diversity and social causes .
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New York Rio de Janeiro July 21 2025 – Brazilian singer actress and activist Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira passed away on July 20 at age 50 in New York City where she had been undergoing advanced treatment for rectal cancer Her death marks the end of a nearly three year journey battling the disease that touched fans and fellow artists alike The Economic Times Hindustan Times Mint .
A Courageous Battle Against Cancer
Preta Gil was diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma in January 2023 She underwent surgery chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Brazil achieving temporary remission later that year However in August 2024 the cancer returned and metastasized to her lymph nodes peritoneum and a ureter The Economic Times Mint .
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In May 2025 Gil traveled to New York to begin experimental therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center She had been preparing to return to Brazil in July but fell ill en route to the airport She was rushed back to the hospital where she passed away peacefully surrounded by close family Hindustan Times Mint .
Music Career and Cultural Impact
Preta Gil launched her music career in 2003 with her debut album Prêt à Porter a mix of pop and Brazilian rhythms She went on to release several albums including Preta 2005 Sou Como Sou 2012 and Todas as Cores 2017 Her voice style and charisma won her a devoted fan base across Brazil and beyond Mint Hindustan Times .
She was also a fixture on Brazilian television hosting Esquenta and appearing in The Voice Brasil As an actress she featured in series such as Caminhos do Coração and Ó Pai Ó Her vibrant energy and fearless persona made her one of Brazils most beloved entertainers Wikipedia The Economic Times .
Advocacy and Personal Courage
Preta Gil was more than a performer—she was a social force Known for her activism in womens rights racial justice LGBTQ+ inclusion and body positivity she used her public platform to advocate for acceptance and equality .
After her cancer diagnosis Gil was transparent about the challenges she faced She spoke openly about living with an ileostomy bag and encouraged others undergoing similar treatments to embrace their journeys without shame She proudly identified as pansexual and actively challenged social norms around identity and beauty Hindustan Times Wikipedia .
Family and Early Life
Born on August 8 1974 in Rio de Janeiro Preta was the daughter of legendary musician and former Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil and Sandra Gadelha She was the fourth of eight siblings and the goddaughter of iconic singer Gal Costa She often referred to singer Caetano Veloso as her uncle highlighting her close ties to Brazils musical elite Mint Wikipedia .
Before launching her career in music at age 28 Preta founded a successful marketing agency Her bold transition into the entertainment world solidified her status as a fearless figure unafraid to reinvent herself Hindustan Times .
Survived by Her Family
Preta is survived by her father Gilberto Gil her son Francisco born in 1995 from her marriage to actor Otávio Müller and her granddaughter Sol de Maria She was previously married to personal trainer Rodrigo Godoy from 2015 until their separation in 2023 Reports indicate that her father experienced a sharp rise in blood pressure upon receiving the news of her death underscoring the profound impact of her loss Mint The Economic Times Reddit .
A Lasting Legacy
Tributes have poured in from fans artists and public figures across Brazil and abroad One fan wrote Big star daughter of MPB Leaves a legacy as the daughter of a MPB star Preta Gils influence extended far beyond music—she changed public conversations around identity diversity and the right to live authentically Reddit Hindustan Times .
Her work has paved the way for countless others to feel seen heard and valued .
In Memoriam
Preta Gils life embodied strength creativity and a deep commitment to humanity Her passing is a monumental loss to Brazilian culture but her music voice and advocacy will continue to inspire generations Her legacy is not only as an artist but as a beacon of courage and visibility in a world that desperately needs both .