Singer Preta Gil, who passed away last Sunday, July 20th, at the age of 50, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer, did not leave behind a beautiful trail of memories and affection. More than just the artist who enchanted crowds with her powerful voice and striking presence, she also made sure to leave something special for those who came after her—especially her granddaughter, Sol de Maria, just 9 years old.
In a beautiful and sensitive gesture, Preta decided to tell her own story the way she lived it, without filters. And from this came her autobiographical book, Preta Gil: Os Primeiros 50 , published by Globo Livros in August 2024. The book, which she released during her treatment for the disease, was not conceived simply as an ordinary autobiography, but as a kind of eternal letter to her granddaughter and future family members.
“I dedicate this book to Sol de Maria because I know that when she grows up, she will hear many stories about me. Some will be lies, others not. Here, I have the chance to tell her my truth.” This sentence, written by herself in the opening pages, demonstrates the sincere and direct tone she chose to tell her story—with all the ups, downs, and twists and turns of a public yet intimate life.
Sol de Maria is the daughter of Francisco Gil, Preta’s only child, from her marriage to Otávio Müller. Francisco, in fact, had Sol very early, with actress Laura Fernandez, when they were just 19 and 17. It was a shock, as you might imagine, but it soon turned into love—and they formed a loving family, just the way life intended, without following any manual.
The relationship between Preta and Sol has always been special. Those who follow the artist on social media have seen the many sweet moments between them: trips, dance videos, games, and lots of affection. Preta always said she wanted to grow old watching Sol grow, develop, and achieve her dreams. Unfortunately, time didn’t allow that. But her desire to be present, even after her departure, was captured in the pages of this book.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about all this is realizing that the work goes beyond simply recording memories. There’s also an almost maternal concern for protecting her image, ensuring that Sol grows up knowing who her grandmother really was, not just what people say. After all, as we well know, fame brings with it a lot of distortion.
In the book, Preta also portrays herself as a grandmother, a woman, a mother, an artist, a daughter, and a human being. She writes candidly about the mistakes, pain, lessons, and joys that have marked her life. And it’s precisely this blend of raw truth and affection that makes the book so powerful.
In a Brazil where public figures are constantly judged and often erased by narratives that aren’t theirs, Preta chose to tell her story. In her own words, with her own tone—and all of this, above all, with Sol in mind.
Perhaps the greatest legacy Preta Gil left, besides the music and joy she spread wherever she went, is this: a story told with love, for a girl who, one day, will be able to open that book and find her grandmother there. The real one.