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Brazilian singer Preta Gil died July 20 after a two-year battle with colon cancer, her family shared in a statement.
By Olivia Evans Jul 22, 2025 12:54 PM | Updated 2 minutes ago
Celebrity Deaths: 2025’s Fallen Stars
Brazilian music fans are mourning the loss of one of their brightest stars.
Preta Gil, a Brazilian singer and television host (real name Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira), has died after a two-year battle with colon cancer, her family confirmed on her Instagram. She was 50.
“Our beloved Preta Gil will be greatly missed, Pretinha passed away on the afternoon of last Sunday, July 20th, after a long and courageous cancer battle,” her family shared in a July 21 Instagram post, translated from Portuguese. “A wake will be held in Rio de Janeiro, where family, friends, and the public will be able to pay their last respects.”
Preta’s family, which includes parents Gilberto Gil and Sandra Gadelha, concluded their statement by expressing gratitude for her fans. As they put it, “We thank you once again for your kindness, respect, and understanding.”
Later, Preta’s father confirmed the 50-year-old had died while receiving treatment for her condition in New York City.
“We are currently processing the procedures for her repatriation to Brazil,” her father said in a statement July 20, obtained by the Daily Mail. “We ask for the understanding of so many dear friends, fans, and media professionals as we navigate this difficult time as a family.”
Since her diagnosis in 2023, Preta had chronicled her ongoing battle with colon cancer. In February, she shared she had spent over 50 days in the hospital to receive treatment.
“I’m finally discharged,” she wrote in an Instagram post at the time, alongside a video of her walking down a hallway filled with her medical team celebrating her. “After 55 days in the hospital following my surgery! It was almost two months of fighting and never stopping believing. Now I’m starting a new life at home, stronger!”
Preta Gil/Instagram
Indeed, Preta continued to keep her family, friends and doctors at the forefront of her mind during her treatment.
“Thank you to my family, my support network, everyone who was able to be with me, take care of me,” she added in her February post. “And to those who sent me so much love, faith and positive energy! I won this one again and the fight continues.”
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