Preta Gil, a central figure in contemporary Brazilian music, passed away this Sunday at the age of 50, after a long battle with cancer. The confirmation of the singer’s death sparked an outpouring of emotion among her fans.
The singer, who had undergone various treatments in Brazil, recently opted to undergo an experimental procedure in the United States after the disease progressed. Her death comes after a worsening of her condition was detected last Wednesday during another chemotherapy session.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2023, Preta underwent delicate surgeries, including the removal of her uterus and compromised parts of her intestinal tract. In December of that year, she announced the completion of her treatment, giving hope to her fans and family.
However, in August 2024, the disease returned to manifest itself aggressively, affecting lymph nodes, the ureter and the peritoneum, which led to new cycles of chemotherapy and a surgery lasting more than 18 hours at the end of that year.
Despite medical efforts, the procedures performed in Brazil did not have the desired effect, prompting the singer to travel to the United States in search of an alternative treatment.
Even with the support of the medical team and the presence of family and close friends, such as his son Francisco and actress Carolina Dieckmann, who traveled in a hurry, the condition quickly evolved to an irreversible stage.
The artist’s press office confirmed the death and said the family will make an official statement in the coming hours. Sources close to the artist reported that Gilberto Gil, Preta’s father, was deeply impacted by the news, having developed high blood pressure.
Preta Gil’s career was marked by irreverence, talent, and a public fight against prejudice and for freedom of expression. Her absence leaves a void in the Brazilian cultural scene, while her legacy lives on in the memories of those who followed her art and courage.